Overview Report

IN THE GTA

July 2017 LEAD PARTNERS

The Environics Institute for Survey Research Non-profit. Founded in 2006 to sponsor original public opinion and social research on issues of public policy and social change.

Ryerson Diversity Institute Undertakes research on diversity to inform fact-based change strategies.

United Way of Greater Toronto and York Region Leading charity dedicated to creating opportunities for a better life for everyone in our region.

YMCA of Greater Toronto Leading charity offering opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and leadership.

Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora Engages in community responsive research and programs that promote equity and social justice.

2 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword 5 Executive summary 7 Introduction 13 Demographic portrait of the Black community 25 Survey results 1. Identity 29 2. Community strength and engagement 32 3. Institutional and interpersonal racism in daily life 38 4. Experience with police services and the criminal justice system 46 5. Perspectives on Black youth and young adults 52 6. Worlds apart: Perceptions of the Black community 57 Next steps 65 End Notes 67 Appendices A. BEP Project team 70 B. Research Advisory Group 71

Overview Report | 3 Sponsors

The Black Experience Project extends a heartfelt “thank you” to our sponsors, whose generous support made this project possible. Major Sponsors

MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES

Regional Sponsors

4 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Foreword Growing the Evidence about the Experiences of Black People in the GTA

In Canada, there tends to be a reluctance to employ race as a It is important for a study like this to acknowledge the demographic identifier. When racial data is collected, Black and historical examination, interpretation and narration of the other racialized groups tend to be grouped as “visible minority” – lived experiences of Black people – cognizant of how race obscuring the characteristics, issues and concerns that are unique relates to gender, class, sexuality, citizenship, and other to each racial group. Therefore, research focused on racialized identities. Such studies need to also recognize the strategies groups is always appreciated as they offer valuable insights individuals employ in their struggles against white supremacy complementing information presented by census data. and related white universally-presumed norms, values and behaviours. In essence, an anti-Black racism approach to The Black Experience Project (BEP) is important and timely research studies necessarily involve understanding how the research, contributing to the awareness about the lives and community is envisaged and engaged, the methodology experiences of Black people in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It used, the individuals sampled, the interviewers deployed, builds on earlier research on our “presence” (Head, 1975), “well- the advisors consulted, and the messages conveyed. And being” (James, Este, Thomas-Bernard, Benjamin, Lloyd & Turner, as this research shows, we will come to find out about the 2010) and life as Black residents in the GTA. undeniable reality and the specificity of the racism faced by Black community members. Head’s study for the Ontario Human Rights Commission reported on Black people’s experiences with racism and discrimination In a concise report like this, it wasn’t possible to examine in the early 1970s when the Black population increased all the contributing factors of the experiences of the 1504 significantly. He found that despite the racist and discriminatory research respondents. For instance, a comprehensive analysis incidents – difficulties in finding housing and employment, being of the gender and sexual identification data is not presented placed in vocational classes in schools, etc. – his respondents in this report. However, the Jean Augustine Chair at York were undeterred and confident that their abilities, efforts and University will soon establish a BEP Working Group which determination would enable them to attain their ambitions. will delve into such details in the analyses and dissemination of additional reports. Also, researchers and others affiliated Twenty-five years later, Thomas Bernard of Dalhousie University, to agencies and institutions will be able to access the data Halifax initiated a comparative study on the well-being of Black/ through requests to the Working Group using research African Canadians in Halifax, Toronto and Calgary. The study also protocol. reported on the many generations within the community in these cities. The findings shed light on how the violence of racism took This research project benefitted substantially from the a toll on the physical, psychological, and spiritual health of Black contributions of concerned community members who Canadians. Nevertheless, the research participants held on to reviewed and commented on drafts of the report and hope which ultimately inspired them to address the entrenched provided input at various stages. They brought their insights problems of racism. of and commitment to the community to the writing process which served to enrich the report and meaningfully address The BEP research was initiated and led by Environics Institute the community’s concerns. in partnership with the United Way of Toronto and York Region, the YMCA of Greater Toronto, the Diversity Institute of Ryerson We look forward to project partners, funding agencies and University, and the Jean Augustine Chair at York University in an others affiliated with this project using this report to ensure effort to provide a current profile of Black Canadians. Participants their existing and / or newly created policies, programs and include residents in the suburban areas of Peel, York, Durham and practices are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs, Halton regions to which Black families, just like other racialized concerns, interests and expectations of members of the Black families, have moved seeking a better life, free from problems of communities. Doing so will certainly lead to real change in the the city. But findings demonstrate that racism and discrimination lives of Black community members. are equally prevalent in these suburbs. Carl E. James Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora Faculty of Education, York University

Overview Report | 5 6 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background

The Black Experience Project began with a central question “What does it mean to be Black in the GTA?” From there, the study embarked on a journey of answering this question in an authentic and respectful way. Launched in 2010, the Black Experience Project (BEP) is a research study that examines the lived experiences of individuals who self-identify as Black and/or of African heritage living in the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA (the City of Toronto, and the Regions of York, Durham, Peel and Halton). This study was led by the Environics Institute for Survey Research, in partnership with the United Way of Toronto and York Region, the YMCA of the Greater Toronto Area, Ryerson’s Diversity Institute, and the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University. This research aims to provide a better understanding of the lives of Black individuals within the GTA, including the factors leading to their successes and challenges.

The results are intended to provide valuable insight and direction in identifying policies and other initiatives that will contribute to the health and vibrancy of the Black community, and by doing so, the health and vibrancy of the entire GTA and beyond. Project results are expected to provide a focal point for the Black community to better harness its assets and expand its successes throughout the entire community. These results will also help the broader community (e.g., community leaders, decision-makers, policy makers, general public) understand and appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of the Black community within their vicinity.

People of African descent (regardless of where they were born) have had a long-standing history in Canada and Toronto. Their stories and footprints can be traced back to Canada’s early colonial period – including the time of slavery. But in recent years, that history has been shaped by successive waves of immigration. Canada’s own history of anti-Black racism, segregation and exploitation is well studied. At the same time, the long-standing contributions of the Black community to the development of the country in the face of structural and institutional racism are clear. In particular, its persistent activism and advocacy for civil liberties and human rights, while often missing from textbooks, is well documented.

Today, the GTA is home to more than 400,000 individuals who self-identify as “Black,” comprising seven percent of the region’s population, and almost half of Canada’s total Black population. Diversity within the Black population is not only related to country of origin, but also to language, religion, socioeconomic status, and time of migration – all of which become evident in cultural variation.

The Black community in the GTA has made substantial contributions to the growth and success of the country and the region, but it has experienced economic, educational, social, and political disparities that continue to this day, much of which are rooted in anti-Black racism. There continues to be longstanding challenges facing the community, some of which are not similarly experienced by other racialized and ethnic communities in the GTA. It is well documented that Black individuals, compared with the non-Black population, earn lower income, have higher rates of unemployment, experience higher rates of incarceration, suffer poorer health outcomes, and are more likely to be victims of violence. The historic foundations of colonialism and anti-Black racism have stood as systemic barriers to collective and individual success. While in some cases the survey questions and participants’ answers did not explicitly use terms such as “racism” or “anti-Black racism”, the study interpreted descriptions, for example, of “unfair treatment because of race” as anti-Black racism.

Overview Report | 7 The BEP study The Black Experience Project set out to answer the question “What does it mean to be Black in the GTA?” through a lens of “asset-based” research, and drawing on critical race theory which acknowledges historical and structural sources of inequality. This project provides the opportunity to build on positive narratives about the GTA’s Black community, effectively portraying its rich diversity, successes, and contributions; and creating a better understanding of obstacles and challenges that the community faces.

The project consists of three phases:

PHASE 1 – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (May 2011 – March 2014). A fundamental premise of the project is to ensure the research focuses on issues and questions of greatest relevance to the Black community, in order to meaningfully contribute to strengthening its capacity. Phase 1 activities included extensive outreach, including group discussion sessions with community leaders (referred to as “Trailblazers” and “Champions”) and individuals across the GTA.

PHASE 2 – RESEARCH DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND ANALYSIS (April 2014 –July 2017). The rich information captured through the community engagement process guided the design of the research in Phase 2, which consisted of in-depth interviews with 1504 Black individuals across the GTA (The results of the survey are presented in this report).

PHASE 3 – POST-STUDY DISSEMINATION AND ENGAGEMENT (July 2017 and beyond). Once the research has been publicly released, the findings will be broadly disseminated through the media, and in active partnership with project partners, community organizations, governments and the Black community, with the goal of: a) widely sharing the research findings with the community and with all sectors; b) prompting further analysis and discussion of the research and its implications; and c) working toward meaningful next steps in strengthening the community.

The study employed established survey research methods to capture and document the lived experiences of individuals recruited from the Black population across the GTA, through in-depth, in-person interviews. This type of in-depth interviewing made it possible to cover a broad range of topics and issues, well beyond what is normally covered in public opinion or social surveys.

The target population was defined as individuals between the ages of 16 years and older living in the Greater Toronto Area, who self-identify as either Black or of African heritage. The study sample was designed to provide representation of this population, to the extent possible, across a number of relevant demographic and ethnic characteristics; these include geographic location of residence (region and local municipality), age, gender, household income, and ethnic or cultural background. Participants were selected according to pre-set criteria or quotas to help ensure that the characteristics of the sample approximated, as much as possible, the characteristics of the target population. Individuals were recruited for participation using a “quota sampling” approach based on matching the most current population data published by Statistics Canada.

Individuals were recruited for participation through extensive outreach across the GTA to build awareness and interest in the study. This important work was conducted by a dedicated team of individuals (mostly youth) from the Black community working on a full or part time basis. The outreach and interviewing period took place between February and December 2015.

8 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Key Conclusions The following are the key conclusions and insights from the BEP study. Identity: Shared experiences of Black identity in spite of diversity There is a remarkable degree of consensus on a number of key questions relating to race and racism. BEP participants are nearly unanimous in their agreement that being Black is important to their identity and their social relationships. They also share the conviction that Black people in the GTA are treated unfairly because of their race. This commonality of attitudes about the importance of race and the pervasiveness of racism, however, co-exists with a diversity of identities. BEP participants are diverse in terms of both their ethno- cultural backgrounds and the terms they use to express their racial identity. While some ethno-cultural or racial identities are chosen more frequently than others, Black identity predominates. This ethnic and racial diversity is accompanied by other forms of diversity, such as differences in socio-economic status, country of origin, religion, gender and sexual orientation.

Community strength and engagement BEP participants are active in, and engaged with, their communities – in some cases, more so than Canadians in general – with comparatively high rates of volunteering and of membership in clubs or organizations (some of which specifically address the interests of the Black community). They have been most actively engaged in religious organizations (historically safe sites for education and advocacy). On average, more frequent experiences of anti-Black racism coincide with higher levels of community engagement, suggesting that discrimination sparks activism more often than alienation. BEP participants are aware and proud of the ways in which Black individuals and communities persevere in the face of discrimination. They consider this perseverance to be one of the Black community’s strengths, and many say they respond to experiences of unfair treatment and anti-Black racism by resolving to overcome them in various ways.

Overview Report | 9 Institutional and interpersonal racism

Direct experience with racism is a In the workplace, one-third identify common experience among BEP challenges linked to being Black, participants. Two thirds say they whether it involves explicit racism or frequently or occasionally experience discrimination, or an uncomfortable racism and discrimination because workplace culture in which they do not they are Black. Eight in ten report feel they are treated professionally or experiencing one of several forms of accepted. BEP participants are much day-to-day micro-aggressions, such more likely to mention negative, rather as having others expect their work than positive ways in which being to be inferior or being treated in a Black has made a difference in their condescending or superficial way. work experience. The most common experiences involve having their While participants from all backgrounds competency questioned, dealing with are affected by these experiences, in racism and stereotypes, and having many cases those with lower incomes their qualifications overlooked or not are affected more intensely. In other recognized. instances, however, Black individuals face racial prejudice and experience While specific experiences of racism effects regardless of income. Black differ, so too do to the ways in which, individuals with higher socio-economic BEP participants report being affected status are just as likely as those with by them: some are more bothered by lower socio-economic status to be these experiences than others. While arbitrarily stopped in public by the some experience a loss of self-esteem police. It may be the case, then, that or an increase in self-doubt, others the disadvantages of lower income say that these experiences have in fact often compound experiences of anti- made them stronger or reinforced their Black racism. But this does not mean drive to succeed or bring about change. that Black individuals with higher incomes are insulated from experiences of unfair treatment based on race. Racism affects all BEP participants, Relations with police regardless of their socio-economic services: a special case background. Experience with police services stand Racism also poses challenges in out as much more negative than those education for Black students. with other public institutions. Negative Almost half indicate they felt that experiences with the police services being Black presented challenges are common. For instance, participants not faced by other students. While are more likely to be stopped in public many participants have had positive than to be helped by the police, and experiences in high school, about younger Black males are particularly four in ten say they felt accepted by likely to experience police harassment. their teacher “only sometimes” or Not surprisingly, BEP participants “never.” This may signal widespread almost unanimously condemn the way institutionalized problems with the in which Black people are treated by education system, described in other the local police. Participants, however, research. are precise in their criticism of the police: they combine generally positive support for the police in their broad role in protecting community safety with a sharply focused criticism of the police’s racial bias.

10 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Black youth and young adults: the unfulfilled promise of being Canadian The majority of today’s generation of young Black adults is Canadian-born. And unlike their mostly immigrant parents and grandparents, they are also more diverse in terms of their identities and the racial composition of their friendship networks. They also have higher levels of educational attainment than their older counterparts. It is notable, then, that they seem more, rather than less, affected by racism. Young Black Canadian-born adults are more likely to identify racism as an obstacle they face; more likely to say they experience some forms of unfair treatment because they are Black; and more likely to be adversely affected by these experiences. It appears, therefore, that young Black adults are more impatient with the failure of Canadian society to deliver on the country’s promise of equality.

Worlds apart: perceptions of the Black community There is a world of difference between the attributes that BEP participants ascribe to the Black community, and those they believe non-Black people ascribe to them. Participants take great pride in the strengths of the Black community in terms of its perseverance and resilience in the face of anti-Black racism, which has persisted over generations. At the same time, participants are proud of their contributions to the social, political and cultural advances that have made the GTA a better place to live. However, participants believe that many non-Black people cling to stereotypes, are in denial about anti-Black racism, and lack knowledge and awareness of the strengths and contributions of the Black community. In fact, when asked what they believe are the most common beliefs that non-Black people hold about Black people, all the examples mentioned are negative ones, such as beliefs relating to criminal behaviour, violence, gangs or drugs, as well as the belief that Blacks are uneducated, lazy and lack ambition.

Next Steps The BEP results and insights reinforce findings over the last 50 years but provide new empirical evidence to help inform action. The study points to aspects of success and contributions that should be acknowledged and celebrated, as well as to the undeniable reality of anti-Black racism, and the obstacles and challenges it presents. These challenges require thoughtful attention and effective solutions.

A research study such as the Black Experience Project cannot on its own fully capture the strength and contributions of the GTA Black community, nor can it address the persistent challenges and systemic inequalities in society. What it does provide is an empirically based understanding of what it is like to be Black in the GTA. This can help create new conversations that lead to transformational change, by providing an honest and constructive focal point for discussion, and a way forward.

Overview Report | 11 12 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA INTRODUCTION

Launched in 2010, the Black Experience Project (BEP) is a research study which examines the lived experiences of individuals who self-identify as Black and/or of African heritage living in the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA (the City of Toronto, and the Regions of York, Durham, Peel and Halton). This study was led by the Environics Institute for Survey Research, in partnership with the United Way of Toronto and York Region, the YMCA of the Greater Toronto Area, Ryerson’s Diversity Institute, and the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University. This research aims to provide a better understanding of the lives of Black individuals within the GTA, including the factors leading to their successes and challenges.

The results are intended to provide valuable insight and direction in identifying policies and other initiatives that will strengthen the health and vibrancy of the Black community, and by doing so, the health and vibrancy of the entire GTA and beyond. This report provides a high-level overview of findings, and provides a rich foundation for further research to examine specific issues in greater depth than is covered here.

Impetus – Why Now?

People of African descent (regardless of where they were born) have had a long-standing history in Canada and Toronto. Their stories and footprints can be traced back to Canada’s early colonial period and the history of slavery, but in recent years has been shaped by successive waves of immigration. Canada’s own history of anti-Black racism, segregation and exploitation is well documented if not widely known. At the same time, the long-standing contributions of the Black community to the development of the country in the face of structural and institutional racism are clear. In particular, the persistent activism and advocacy for civil liberties and human rights, while often missing from textbooks, is well documented. 1

Today, the GTA is home to more than 400,000 individuals who self-identify as “Black,” comprising seven percent of the region’s population and more than half of Canada’s total Black population. Diversity within the Black population is not only related to country of origin, but also to language, religion, socioeconomic status, and time of migration – all of which become evident in cultural variation.

The Black community in the GTA has made substantial contributions to the growth and success of the country and the region – where they have also experienced economic, educational, social, and political disparities that continue to this day. There continues to be longstanding challenges facing the community, some of which are not similarly experienced by other racialized and ethnic communities in the GTA. It is well documented that Black individuals, compared with the non- Black population, earn less income, have higher rates of unemployment, experience higher rates of incarceration, suffer poorer health outcomes, and are more likely to be victims of violence 2. The history of colonialism and anti-Black racism has stood as a systemic barrier to collective and individual success.

Overview Report | 13 A long list of reports has illuminated the root causes of these challenges. For example, The Review of the Roots of Youth Violence report published in 2008 by the Honourable Roy McMurtry and Dr. Alvin Curling speaks to racism in the opening pages of the Executive Summary, noting that it is both “serious” and “deeply entrenched” across Ontario:

The very serious problems being encountered in neighbourhoods characterized by severe, concentrated and growing disadvantage are not being addressed because Ontario has not placed an adequate focus on these concentrations of disadvantage despite the very serious threat they pose to the province’s social fabric. Racism is becoming a more serious and entrenched problem than it was in the past because Ontario is not dealing with it. The significant new investments in education are not reaching many of the children who need the most help because long-identified barriers to learning are not being addressed. Ontario’s youth justice system is harming some youth because it has no overall coordination, remains punitive in ways that are not strategic and permits increasingly problematic police-community relations.3

Contributing to this challenge is the reality of media representations of the Black community presenting distorted and stereotypical images focused primarily on the disadvantages experienced by the community. Consequently, many have argued that today the Black community is largely defined by its challenges and deficits. Notwithstanding recent recognition of Viola Desmond on the new Canadian $10 bill, little is known about the trailblazing achievements and contributions of the Black community in such areas as politics, law, business, research, social justice and public policy advocacy, and education, despite official acknowledgements of these contributions.4

The launch of the BEP in 2011 preceded the current climate of tragic police-involved deaths across North America, the most recent controversies over racial profiling, the emergence of Black Lives Matter, and the creation of the Ontario Anti- Racism Directorate. These recent developments underscore the significance of the Black Experience Project and the need for a greater understanding of the depths of persistent anti-Black racism and associated challenges. BEP Goals and Objectives The Black Experience Project began with a central question “What well as challenges and opportunities faced by the Black does it mean to be Black in the GTA?” The study embarked on a community. It explores the lived experiences of individuals journey of answering this question in a respectful way using an within this community (or communities), and the factors “asset-based” research lens, which proposes that “difference” leading to their success or challenges. can be a source of strength as well as a challenge.5 The project also draws on critical race theory’s acknowledgment of deep Project results are expected to provide a focal point for the historical and structural barriers that operate to disenfranchise or Black community to better harness its assets and expand its disadvantage groups in relation to their particular identities. For successes throughout the entire community, as well as help example, critical race theory would articulate the specificity of the broader community (e.g., community leaders, decision- the Black experience in regard to racism and anti-Black racism.6 makers, policy makers, general public) understand and Together these provide a theoretical framework, which is both appreciate the lived experiences of the Black community. constructive and realistic. The purpose of the study is to better understand the nature of the strengths and contributions as

14 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA The investigation began with the following principles:

• That the research design and topics of focus be guided by input and direction from the Black community, as well as from leading academic experts; • That the collection of data be done in a respectful way that provides individuals with the opportunity to tell their own story, in their own words; • The study sample be sufficiently representative and comprehensive to provide for meaningful analysis of important subgroups of the population (e.g., age, gender, income, ethnicity); and • The study should draw upon the resources of the local community (especially emerging young leaders) and give priority to building capacity.

Overview Report | 15 The project consists of three phases:

PHASE 1 – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (May 2011 – March 2014). A fundamental premise of the project is to ensure that the research focuses on issues and questions of greatest relevance to the Black community, in order to meaningfully contribute to strengthening its capacity. Phase 1 activities included extensive outreach, including group discussion sessions with community leaders (referred to as “Trailblazers” and “Champions”) and individuals across the GTA. The results of this process are documented in a separate published report (Phase 1 Community Engagement Final Report, January 2014).

PHASE 2 – RESEARCH DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND ANALYSIS (April 2014 – July 2017). The rich information captured through the community engagement process guided the design of the research in Phase 2, which consisted of in-depth interviews with a broad sample of 1504 Black individuals across the GTA (The results of the survey are presented in this report). Throughout this Phase, a Research Advisory Group comprised of local scholars from the Black community and others with relevant research backgrounds provided meaningful guidance to the project (see Appendix A).

PHASE 3 – POST-STUDY DISSEMINATION AND ENGAGEMENT (July 2017 and beyond). Once the research has been completed and publicly released, the findings will be broadly disseminated through the media and in active partnership with project partners, community organizations, governments and the Black community generally. The goal of Phase 3 is to: a) widely share the research findings with the community and with all sectors; b) prompt further analysis and discussion of the research and its implications; and c) initiate activities that lead to meaningful next steps in strengthening the community.

The BEP research will be made publicly available to community organizations, researchers, government agencies and others to conduct further, more in-depth analysis of the data in specific areas of relevance (e.g., health, education, criminal justice). The rich data set, which will be available through the Jean Augustine Chair (JAC) in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University, offers opportunities for further research to delve into specific issues not addressed in this report.

16 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Research Focus The BEP utilized an asset-based approach to the research, which places value on the strengths, contributions, resources and skills of the community, rather than reinforcing its challenges. This approach was intended to allow survey participants an entry point into the conversation about their personal lived experience and also the community’s contribution and strengths.

The themes and topics to be addressed in this study were developed based on previous work (Phase 1 engagement with the Black community, literature review) and in consultation with the Research Advisory Group. Out of this process the following 10 themes related to the lived experience of Black individuals in the GTA were selected for inclusion in the study.

1. Identity. How do individuals define and experience their Black identity? 2. Experience with the Black community. How do individuals perceive and engage with the Black community? 3. Personal aspirations and future goals. What are the personal aspirations and apprehensions of Black individuals for themselves and their community? 4. Education and learning. What are Black individuals’ experiences with the education system, and with other sources of learning? How do these experiences relate to outcomes in other areas of life? 5. Experience with institutions.How do Black individuals interact with, and experience, public institutions in their community? How is this experience influenced by one’s Black identity? 6. Treatment and representation by the broader community. How are individuals in the Black community treated by the broader community? How do they see the Black community portrayed by the broader population? 7. Employment and the workplace. What are the employment and workplace experiences of individuals in the Black community? 8. Health and well-being. What is the relationship between being Black and individuals’ health and well-being? 9. Neighbourhood. To what extent do Black individuals feel positive about, connected to and secure within, their neighbourhood of residence? 10. Connectedness and belonging to the broader community. To what extent and in what ways do Black individuals feel connected to the broader community?

Overview Report | 17 How the Survey was Conducted

Research Approach. The study employed established survey research methods. In order to capture and document the lived experience of individuals recruited from the Black population across the GTA, through in-depth, in-person interviews. This type of in-depth interviewing made it possible to cover a broad range of topics and issues, well beyond what is normally covered in public opinion or social surveys. The approach is based on a previous Environics Institute study conducted in 2008-09 with the urban Aboriginal population in the country’s largest 11 cities8 (see Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study, 2010).

Survey Questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed through an extensive process, guided by the Phase 1 input, an extensive literature review, and direction provided by the Research Advisory Group. The survey included both structured questions (e.g., with response scales) and open-ended questions to capture a greater depth of experience through participants’ own words. Prior to being finalized, the survey was pilot-tested twice with small numbers of individuals from the Black community to evaluate the questions and the overall interview experience. The final version was vetted and approved through the research ethics process at Ryerson University, as well as by the Durham District School Board and Lakeridge Health (two of the locations at which survey participants were recruited).

Sample design and participant recruitment. The target population for this study was defined as individuals 16 years and older living in the Greater Toronto area who self-identify as Black or of African heritage. The study was designed to provide representation of this population to the extent possible across a number of relevant characteristics, including location of residence (region and local municipality), age, gender, household income and ethnic background.

The sampling plan was based on the development of a population profile that identified how the Black population is distributed across each of the characteristics described above. For instance, the plan looked at how many males aged 16 to 24 of African heritage live in the Peel Region with household incomes between $60,000 and $80,000. This information was used to create a sample matrix to determine how many individuals with each unique combination of characteristics should be interviewed for the study in order to attain a sample that adequately reflects the Black population.9

TableTable 1 - Distribution 1: Distribution of of Study Study Sample Sample across GTA GTA regions Regions Region * City of Toronto 218,160 (53%) 734 (49%) Peel Region 116,265 (28%) 373 (25%) Durham Region 41,890 (10%) 189 (13%) York Region 25,870 (6%) 175 (12%) Halton Region 10,970 (3%) 33 (2%) Total 413,155 (100%) 1,504 (100%)

18 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Individuals were recruited to participate in the survey through region. In some cases, however, several groups are not extensive outreach across the GTA to build awareness and represented in the same proportion as in the population; in interest in the study. This included advertising through particular the sample under-represents those who have no more conventional and social media, attendance at community events, than a high school education, those 55 years of age or older, and tapping into existing social and community networks, and males despite considerable efforts to recruit more individuals reaching out to Black community organizations and Collaborating matching these characteristics. The following table presents a Partners. Individuals expressing interest in participation were profile of the study sample across a number of demographic and contacted by telephone to screen for eligibility based on the personal characteristics. sample matrix for their Region. Those who qualified were then scheduled for an in-person interview at a time and place of their The final data set used for the analysis and reporting were convenience. This important work was conducted by a dedicated weighted to match the composition of the Black population team of individuals (mostly youth) from the Black community across the demographic characteristics outlined above, so that working on a full or part time basis from February to December each group is represented in the total sample in proportion to 2015. its actual size (including those under-represented in the sample). Because the sampling approach was not based on probability Study sample. A total of 1,504 interviews were completed with sampling (i.e. each individual in the population having an equal individuals across the GTA who self-identified as Black or of chance of being selected) the final sample cannot be considered African heritage. The following table presents how this sample statistically representative of the GTA Black population, and is distributed across regions of the GTA, in comparison with the caution should be used in generalizing the survey results to this GTA Black population. population. However, the study included participation from across most socio-demographic segments of the GTA Black The sampling approach was successful in completing interviews population, and is large to provide for valid insights for many with individuals in every combination of demographic of these groups within this population. Further details on the characteristics included in the sample profile for each GTA research methodology are available in a separate report.10

TableTable 2 -2: Distribution Distribution ofof Study Study Sample Sample across across demographicdemographic groups groups

GTA Black Study Sample Popula�on* % (before weigh�ng) % Gender Female 56% 64% Male 44% 36%

Age 16-24 11% 15% 25-34 16% 16% 35-44 24% 27% 45-54 19% 20% 55+ 30% 23%

Ethnicity Caribbean 55% 64% African 31% 19% Caribbean + African 4% 3% Other 9% 13%

Household income < 20K 11% 15% 20K - 40K 16% 16% 40K - 70K 24% 27% 70K - 100K 19% 20% 100K plus 30% 22%

l < HS 17% 4% HS Grad 29% 18% Trade / Community 33% 25% University Grad 17% 36% Post-Graduate 4% 15%

n Heterosexual N/A 94% LGBTQ/Other N/A 6%

Overview Report | 19 About This Report

This report presents an overview of the main findings from Limitations of the research. This type of community- the Black Experience Project research, organized around a based research presents inherent challenges with respect number of central themes that together provide a coherent to surveying a highly diverse population, and completing narrative. The intention is to provide a broad picture of the interviews with a sample that approximates this population experiences of being Black in the GTA, as recorded through across important characteristics such as gender, ethnic the interviews with participants, rather than a comprehensive background, age, sexuality, income and education. Some analysis of the full range of research findings. groups within the population were especially difficult to recruit for the study. For example, special efforts were taken The report presents selected results from the survey to to identify and recruit people with lower levels of education illustrate the main findings. This includes both quantitative and homeless segments of the population, with limited (numerical) results and comments provided by participants success. Because the sample is not statistically representative in response to open-ended questions (these comments, as of the Black population in the GTA, caution should be recorded in note form by interviewers during the interviews, exercised when attempting to generalize these findings to the are shown in circles throughout the report). While in some population as a whole. cases the survey questions and participants’ answers did not explicitly use terms such as “racism” or “anti-Black racism”, The data for this research was collected from February to the study interpreted descriptions, for example, of “unfair December 2015 and reflects participants’ experiences at treatment because of race” as anti-Black racism. Unless that time. Central to the study’s success was the recruitment otherwise noted, all results are presented as percentages. and training of a dedicated team of individuals from the community (mostly youth) to coordinate and handle all More detailed information about the Black Experience Project aspects of the process, and building this team from the and the complete research findings will be available through ground up took time. For these reasons, completion of the the BEP website and the Lead Partners. The Jean Augustine survey fieldwork took considerably longer than anticipated, Chair at York University will house the study data. Community entailed higher costs, and resulted in the completion of fewer organizations, scholars and others interested in further interviews than the original target of 2,000. The richness of analysis are invited to explore the data and to delve more the data from the more than 1,500 personal interviews also deeply into questions of interest to the community. required considerably more time invested in the analysis and reporting of findings than had been anticipated at the outset.

The BEP data provide a rich basis for further exploration of specific segments of the population and issue areas that are not covered in-depth in this high level report. For example, gender identity and sexual orientation are of particular importance, as are issues such as health, education and policing. This initial report provides an overall understanding of the findings and leaves room for further analyses for upcoming studies using the data to better understand the perspectives and experiences of these populations.

20 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Acknowledgements

To realize the BEP vision, the project has been guided by the concept of “being about the community, conducted by the community, and for the benefit of the community.” From the outset, a wide range of individuals and organizations that worked tirelessly to fulfil this vision has supported the project. This includes the BEP Lead Partners, the many Collaborating Partners across the GTA (listed below), community Trailblazers and Champions, the Research Advisory Group (listed in Appendix B), and the many volunteers (most of whom are youth) who contributed their energy and commitment to seeing this project through to completion. A thank you also goes to others who provided valuable advice on the draft report

Essential to the success of the Black Experience Project were its sponsors without whose support the project would have not happened, and in particular our principal sponsor TD Bank (a full list of project sponsors is presented on page 4 of this report). The lion’s share of the work was done by the BEP Project Team, including a core staff of more than a dozen, supported by a large team of more than 60 other individuals who played key roles as outreach workers, researchers, interviewers and administrative support (see the full list of Project team members in Appendix A).

Finally, and most important, the Black Experience Project owes its ultimate success to the 1,504 individuals who courageously shared their experiences. Collectively their stories tell the tale of what it means to be “Black” in the GTA in the second decade of the 21st century.

Collaborating Partners

A special thanks goes to the following organizations who helped to promote the study, by hosting community engagement, providing volunteers and venue space, and in other ways.

• African Canadian Development Council • Macauley Child Development Services “More than a • African Canadian Legal Clinic Haircut” Project • Atkinson Charitable Foundation • Region of Peel • Black Artists Network in Dialogue (BAND) • Redemption and Reintegration Services • Black Business Professional Association • TAIBU Community Health Centre • Black Leadership Health Network • Toronto Police Service • City of Toronto • Tropicana Community Services • Heritage Toronto • United Way Peel • Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) • United Black Students Conference • Midanyta Community Services • York Centre for Education and Community • York Regional Police • Youth Challenge Fund

Overview Report | 21 Anti-Black racism. The Ontario Anti-Racism Ontario Human Rights Commission defines Note on Directorate, employing the African Canadian Black as: “A social construct referring to Terminology Legal Clinic’s language, provides the people who have dark skin colour and/or following definition: “The Anti-Black racism is other related racialized characteristics. The prejudice, attitudes, beliefs, stereotyping and term has become less of an indicator of skin discrimination that is directed at people of colour and more of racialized characteristics. African descent and is rooted in their unique Diverse societies apply different criteria to history and experience of enslavement. Anti- determine who is Black.”14 Black racism is deeply entrenched in Canadian institutions, policies and practices, such Community. Throughout this report the that anti-Black racism is either functionally term “community” is used to describe the normalized or rendered invisible to the larger groupings of individuals constructed as white society. Anti-Black racism is manifested Black. This comes with the understanding in the legacy of the current social, economic, that there is substantial diversity within the and political marginalization of African Black population, and use of this term is not Canadians in society such as the lack of intended to imply that Black individuals are all opportunities, lower socio-economic status, alike or can be represented by a single group. higher unemployment, significant poverty To underline this point, in the lead-in to rates and overrepresentation in the criminal the survey questions about the Black justice system”.11 community, BEP participants were read the Asset-Based Approach. This is an alternative following statement: “We recognize that approach to what has been termed “deficit there is a great deal of diversity within the discourse” concerning specific segments of Black community, and that some people the population, which highlights disadvantage see it as many communities rather than a and barriers. An “asset-based approach” does single Black community. When we use the not ignore the realities of discrimination and term “Black community” we are referring exclusion, and further examines the role of to the broader Black population.” The term identity. For example, it looks at how identity “Black community” is used throughout the is an advantage and source of strength; report because it most accurately reflects the contributions made by diverse identity the wording of the questions that BEP communities; and how diverse identities participants responded to. should be valued.12 Assets may include Critical race theory. Critical race theorists several forms of community capital: physical, assert that “the majority of racism remains human, social, financial, environmental, hidden beneath a veneer of normality and political, and cultural. […]. Similarly, Tara it is only the more crude and obvious forms Yosso lists six forms of cultural capital – social, of racism that are seen as problematic familial, linguistic, aspirational, navigational, by most people.” CRT gives attention to and resistance – that constitute “community intersectionality – a concept that recognizes cultural wealth” which represents the talents, the fact that perceived group membership strengths and experiences that students can make people vulnerable to various of colour bring to their schooling and forms of bias, yet because individuals are education.13 simultaneously members of many groups, Black. The term Black refers to individuals of their complex identities operate to shape African heritage who may also self-identify as the specific ways individuals experience that 15 Black, African or Caribbean. In addition, the bias.

22 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Identity. To understand the extent to which race is a factor Racialization. The process by which personality traits, in the lived experiences of Black individuals, it is important behaviours, and social characteristics are ascribed to to examine and embrace the complexity of identity and its minoritized people because of their race, and are seen as intersection with life outcomes. For the purpose of displaying permanent and inalterable.18 how race and identity intersect in the lived experience, the study considered three components of identity: Racism. This term is defined as follows:

• “Cultural identity” – a shared culture, a collective with a • Individual racism is “an ideology or set of ideas and shared history and ancestry. beliefs that frames individuals’ negative attitudes towards others and are usually reflected in the willful, • Personal identity – the features of an individual that conscious or unconscious, direct or indirect, and forms their value proposition, their dignity and self- reflexive actions, words, and opinions of individuals.” image, as well as their self-respect and/or distinct personality. • Institutional racism “exists when a set of established rules, policies, and regulations of institutions, businesses • Socially constructed identity – an identity that is and agencies, etc. systemically reflect and produce ‘imposed’ based on having shared characteristic features differential treatment of various groups and individuals to which particular values are also ascribed. This based on race.”20 identity reflects how society views and treats particular individuals based on such factors as race, gender and Structural racism. This term refers to as systemic or sexual orientation. societal racism, refers to the laws, legislations, rules, and ideology upon which the state operates and which tends Intersectionality. The Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate to privilege the dominant group members of society and provides the following definition: “Acknowledges the prevent minoritized group members from fully participating ways in which people’s lives are shaped by their multiple in society. This racism is difficult to overcome as it can be and overlapping identities and social locations, which, hard to identify and is often seen as the norm. Systemic together, can produce a unique and distinct experience for discrimination as a product of the racism is often hidden that individual or group, for example, creating additional within the seemingly objective, democratic and meritocratic barriers or opportunities. In the context of race, this means systems.20 recognizing the ways in which people’s experiences of racism or privilege, including within any one racialized group, may White supremacy. White supremacy is a system of privilege, differ and vary depending on the individual’s or group’s oppression and exploitation perpetrated by white peoples additional overlapping (or “intersecting”) social identities, (i.e., of European background) to maintain their wealth and such as ethnicity, Indigenous identification, experiences with power over Black, Indigenous and other racialized people. colonialism, religion, gender, citizenship, socio-economic White privilege does not always require its beneficiaries status or sexual orientation.”16 to be obviously or openly racist. Instead, dominant social institutions function to perpetuate white supremacy.20 Race. A socially constructed classification of human beings based on identified or perceived characteristics such as colour of skin and informed by historical and geographic context. It is not a biological classification. It is often the basis upon which groups are formed, agency is attained, social roles are assigned, and status conferred.17

Overview Report | 23 24 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA DEMOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY IN THE GTA

Overview Before presenting the results of the survey, it is important to establish the demographic composition of the Black population in the GTA. Statistical information about the size and growth of the Black population and its demographic characteristics provides background and context to the rich information collected through the BEP survey.

This Chapter provides an introductory portrait of the Black population in the Greater Toronto Area, through a review of data collected by Statistics Canada through the 2011 National Household Survey (the most current population statistics available). It should be noted that the scope of the BEP was the Greater Toronto Area, but most of the population statistics presented in this chapter cover the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), which has a slightly different geography and slightly smaller percentage of the Black population size.

Population Profile The Black population in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is growing in size and diversity. Close to 400,000 self-identified Black individuals currently live in the Toronto CMA, representing a little over 7 percent of the area’s population. The population has been growing, and has more than tripled in number over the past 30 years (see Figure 1).

(1) : Black(1) Black population population in inToronto Toronto CMA CMA

7.2 6.9 6.5 6.7 6.2 397,18 0 352,22 0 5.1 310,49 5

4.1 274,93 5 241,03 0 172,78 5 121,87 5

1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011

Black population Percentage of Toronto CMA population

Over time, there has been a dramatic generational shift in the origins of the area’s Black population over time. Overall, the proportion of the population born in the Caribbean has been decreasing, while the proportion born in Africa and (especially) in Canada has been growing. While the older population is overwhelmingly Caribbean-born, younger generations have a greater mix of Caribbean, African and Canadian origins (see Figure 2).

Overview Report | 25 (2)(2): Black Black population population (by by place place of of birth) birth

0-14 88 3 6 3

15-24 71 11 15 3

25-34 42 29 25 4

35-44 23 40 29 8

45-54 6 56 29 9

55+ 3 76 13 8

Canada Caribbean Africa Other

As recently as 1996, young Black adults (those aged 18 to 34) living in the GTA were much more likely to be born in the Caribbean than in Canada, but this is no longer the case. In 2011, Black people in this age cohort were twice as likely to be born in Canada as in the Caribbean. The 2011 National Household survey reported that, for the first time, young Black adults in the GTA were in majority Canadian-born.

In socio-economic terms, the situation of Black individuals is not on par with the rest of the Toronto CMA’s population. Compared with the non-Black population, the Black population in the Toronto CMA has lower incomes. Black individuals are also slightly less likely to be employed and a bit less likely to be in the labour force (which includes those currently categorized as unemployed) (see Figure 3).

(3) Individual Income - 2011 - Toronto CMA (by ethnic/racial groups)

Southeast West Non-Visible TOTAL Individual Income Black Arab Korean American Asian Asian Minority POPULATION Median Employment 43,090$ 43,090$ 41,299$ 46,897$ 41,105$ 44,015$ 40,170$ 56,543$ 50,787$ Income

Median Income 25,718$ 23,913$ 20,706$ 23,050$ 17,704$ 17,374$ 35,588$ 29,593$

24,422$ 24,422$ 22,805$ 20,068$ 21,925$ 17,383$ 17,814$ 32,111$ 27,390$ Income Prevalance of low 25% 21% 28% 18% 33% 33% 11% 15% Income

In comparison with the non-Black population, the Black population in the region is just as likely to have completed high school. The Black population is also almost as likely as the non-Black population to have a postsecondary education, but this is more likely to be at the trades or college level and less likely to be at the university level. This may confirm recently published research that has suggested a tendency to “stream” Black students into non-academic programs that limit future opportunities for education and career advancement (see Figure 4).21

Moreover, the extent of this gap in educational attainment at the university level between the Black and the non-Black population in the Toronto CMA is growing. The university attainment of non-Blacks is improving at a faster rate than that of Blacks, which is a cause for concern.

26 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA (4) Educational attainment: Black and non-Black

Black Non-Black

37

31 29 27 25

19 17 15

Less than high school High school diploma College diploma University degree

Overall, within the Black population, men are more likely to have a university degree than women. This situation, however, appears to be changing. Among those 35 and older, men are somewhat more likely than women to hold a university degree (19% for men, versus 16% for women), but the pattern is reversed for those younger than age 35 (35% among women versus 27% among men).22

Finally, the majority of Black individuals in the Toronto CMA live in neighbourhoods where Black people are in the minority. According to the 2006 census, 18 percent of the Black population in the GTA lives within census tracts where the Black population is less than five percent of the total population, and 44 percent live in tracts where less than10 percent of households are Black. Only eight percent live within census tracts where the Black population is more than 30 percent or more of the total, and in no census tract within the GTA does the proportion of the population that is Black surpass 44 percent (see Figure 5).

This pattern varies substantially across the GTA. Almost all Black people in York and Halton Regions live within census tracts where the Black population is less than ten percent of the total population. This compares with 45 percent of the Black population in both Peel and Durham Regions, and with 36 percent of the Black population in the City of Toronto. In the City of Toronto, close to one in three Black persons live in census tracts that are between 20 and 40 percent Black.

The distribution of the Black population living in the GTA has also changed over time. Whereas in 1981 the City of Toronto included 78 percent of the GTA’s total Black population, this proportion had fallen to 57 percent by 2011.24 This change reflects a shift in the settlement patterns of the Black residents over time. With the exception of Halton, the Black population in the other four GTA regions has been growing at a faster pace than in the City of Toronto (see Figure 6).

() istribution o lac population by (5) Distribution of Black population by (6) 1981 - 2006 Regional share of GTA proportion in census tract that is lac TA proportion in census tract that is Black GTA Black population (6) 1981 - 2006 Regional share of GTA Black population 78 68 57 53

26 28 20 14 9 10 5 6 6 3 5 3 2 2 2 3

o o o o Toronto Peel York Durham Halton

() istribution o lac population by 1981 1996 2006 2011 proportion in census tract that is lac TA

Overview Report | 27

o o o o 28 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA SURVEY RESULTS 1. IDENTITY

Overview A central concept behind the Black Experience Project is that of identity and how it relates to the lived experience of Black individuals. While all those recruited to participate in the BEP survey self-identify either as Black or of African heritage, participants may nevertheless describe their identities in multiple and often overlapping ways.

Identity is complex, fluid and multi-faceted. It is formed through multiple processes and influences, relating to one’s race, ethnicity, culture, or country of origin. Many other expressed identities may reflect religion, gender, sexual orientation, profession or even the neighbourhood in which a person lives. These different facets of identity are not mutually exclusive; in most cases, theye ar interwoven. In the case of the Black population in the GTA, identity is particularly complex because of the population’s diversity – its different histories, origins and cultural backgrounds, as well as differences within the population in terms of levels of education, employment situations, and so on.

This Chapter addresses the shared identity stemming from the experience of being Black. It is framed in part through the experience of anti-Black racism, as well as through the diverse identities with the Black community in the GTA.

(7) Importance of Black identity

It is important for black people to support % other black people to be successful 78 18 3 In general, being black is an important part of my identity 75% 22% 2 ti I have a strong sense of connec on to black 44 39 15 people in other parts of the world tt I have a strong a achment to other people 43 45 10 in Canada, regardless of where they are from

Being black is a major factor in the social 31 34 31 4 relationships I form

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

Black Experience Project participants express a strong sense of The survey confirms the complexity and diversity of identities a shared Black identity and solidarity with other Black people. within the Black community in the GTA. Noting that people Participants are almost unanimous in agreeing that being use different terms to refer to themselves, the survey asked Black is an important part of their identity – and most strongly participants what term they use to identify their racial identity. agreet tha this is the case. More than four in five participants also agree that they feel a strong sense of connection to Black The term “Black” predominates, and it is used by just over people in other parts of Canada and the world (see Figure 7). half of BEP participants; almost one in two prefers one of a number of other terms, including “African”(see Figure 8). There is also a striking commonality of perspective when Black is the predominant identity for participants in the study it o comes t the extent to which Black people are treated including a majority of those born in Canada or the Caribbean. unfairly because of their race (a theme explored in greater In contrast, only 30 percent of those born in Africa identify depth in Chapter 4). For instance, BEP participants agree their race as Black – just over half as many as those born in almost unanimously that people in the GTA experience unfair other parts of the world. treatment because they are Black.

The consensus about the importance of being Black to one’s identity, and the extent of unfair treatment due to race is evident across BEP participants regardless of the diversity of their racial, ethno-cultural and other identities.

Overview Report | 29 I use the term Canadian Caribbean because I strongly identity with my West Indian roots. I was raised partially in Barbados, my parents were born there and my extended family lives there. My great aunt was first to come here, so you can’t forget that. Calling myself just Canadian would strip me partially of my identity. It is what I’ve been exposed to I see Black as a political and what my children have been exposed identity. Also, phenotypically to. They even drop accents sometimes. I am visibly Black. There is a It’s home. particular collective experience that I identify with. “African Canadian” does not seem to fit. I feel like it is borrowed language. It is our attempt to make sense of our identities in relation to African Americans. 1 5 6 2 2 2 Black 3 Why is this the African term you use African-Canadian 4 Caribbean Specific Caribbean region/country to identify your Specific African region/country 53 Caribbean Canadian 7 race or racial Afro-Canadian Black Canadian identity? Other mul�ple iden��es Other 14

“Bi-racial” because my mother is black and my father is white. I Black is what I always used to just say Black but Black used, there has never people would say I wasn’t Black been a need to say African, enough, and white people would Canadian or Caribbean. In say I wasn’t white enough. Like the my mind all Black people woman at work who called me the are African so there is no white woman with Black hair. So need to go further than that. since then I use bi-racial to describe myself.

30 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Moreover, participants choose the term they more than eight in ten (84%) named some aspect of gender use to identify themselves racially for different or sexuality as part of their identity (principally being part reasons. Some say it represents their heritage of this community – 61%). One-third (34%) of this group or cultural background (55%), while others say it also mentioned religion as part of who they are. represents their personal identity (40%), or that it corresponds with how others view them (25%). Some indicate it includes or expresses solidarity with all Black people (20%). A substantial (9)(9) - MostMost importantimportant proportion participants give multiple reasons ethnic/cultural ethnic/cultural identityidentity for how they define their racial identity. Not surprisingly, among those who identify racially as % African, most say they choose this term because CARIBBEAN* 46 it reflects their heritage or cultural background. Jamaican 28 Among those who identify as Black, however, Caribbean/West Indian 7 the reasons given are more varied, with no one Trinidadian and Tobagonian 4 reason noticeably outweighing the others. Other Caribbean 7 WEST AFRICAN 12 Race is only one dimension of identity. Ghanian 7 Participants also express a variety of ethnic or Nigerian 4 cultural identities, including Caribbean- and Other West African 2 African-based identities. Specifically, close to half EAST AFRICAN 7 of participants say their most important ethnic Somali 3 or cultural identity is Caribbean (either in general Other East African 4 or in terms of a specific Caribbean country). The AFRICAN ‐ OTHER 8 next most common identity (for about one in four CANADIAN 9 participants) is African (in general or in terms of Canadian 6 a specific country or region), while one in ten Other (e.g., Nova Scotian) 3 identify their most important ethnic or cultural identity as Canadian (see Figure 9). BLACK 5 OTHER 9 These results also highlight the way in which the Tribes / Language / People 4 make-up of the Black community differs across Other 5 the generations. When it comes to ethno-cultural *Main*Main categories categories represent represent net percentage“net percentage of of secondary categories identity, the oldest generation (those ages 55 secondary categories and over) is largely homogenous, with a majority identifying as Caribbean (see Figure 10).

In contrast, the younger generation (under 35) is more diverse, and in particular more likely to identify as African. This pattern mirrors the generational shift relating to country of origin (10)(10) Most Most import importantant ethnic/culturalethnic/cultural presented in Chapter 1 and may also reflect identity (by age group) the politics of the younger generation, who, identity by (age group) regardless of their origin choose to identify in this Caribbean African Canadian way.

All but a handful of BEP participants mentioned 55 at least one identity other than race or ethnicity, 52 51 and most named more than one. The two aspects 44 of identity most widely indicated are gender or 42 sexual identity (40%; e.g., being a women/man, 37 35 heterosexual, LGBT) and religion (40%; primarily Christian). In both cases, these identities are more 22 prominent among women than men, especially 17 in the case of gender/sexuality (59% of women 12 10 999 8 versus 29% among men). Among participants who self-identified as LGBT (5% of all participants), 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+

Overview Report | 31 2. COMMUNITY STRENGTH AND ENGAGEMENT

Overview Key Findings This chapter focuses on engagement as defined in several BEP participants are active in their communities, and in some ways. In the first instance, the Chapter considers the ways cases are more active than are Canadians on average. Most in which Black people in the GTA engage with different participants belong to one or more clubs or community social, cultural and political communities, including through groups, volunteer, follow politics and vote. membership in clubs and community groups, volunteering, and voting. It also looks at engagement as a form of advocacy Four in five BEP participants belong to at least one type of or mobilization, more specifically as a means of resisting club or community group, a proportion that is higher than that 25 racism. Finally, it examines how engagement, in the form of of Canadians on average. BEP participants are most likely perseverance and a determination to bring about change, can to belong to religious organizations or places of worship and 26 be viewed as an attribute and asset of the Black community local community organizations. One in two also belongs to, itself. or participates in, organizations or informal social groups that specifically address the interests of the Black community (see It should be noted that in this Chapter -- as throughout Figure 11). this report -- the term “community” can take on different meanings. In some cases, a community refers to a Two in three BEP participants say they have volunteered neighbourhood, the location in which a person lives or works. at least some of their time during the past 12 months. In other cases, a community is a group of people with similar Participants are more likely to volunteer than the national interests or backgrounds, independent of location, such as average, and those who volunteer tend to give more of their 27 a religious or cultural community. And in the case of BEP time than do Canadian volunteers on average. participants specifically, “community” can also refer to a racial Religion and spirituality also constitute an important form of (e.g., Black) or ethnic community that is local, regional or even engagement for BEP participants. As mentioned previously, international. These different types of communities tend to religious organizations are among those in which BEP overlap. In this Chapter, “community” can be understood in participants are most likely to be active, with one in two any or all of these different contexts. currently belonging to this type of organization, and three in

32 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Strong sense of pride. Being from different background brings us ultimately together as Black. Willingness to challenge governments and institutions around issues of racism. What do you see Have sense of community. as some of the strengths of the Black community in the GTA? Passion and the way that we can reach people through the arts. The way we still succeed even though we go through struggle.

Resiliency, perseverance, we are very creative and Hardworking – don’t intuitive. There are a lot of expect handouts despite entrepreneurs and as well what people think. Very as people giving back to the resilient and making a good community after going through contribution to the society raising issues of equity. their own struggles.

(11) Participation in organizations and groups (11) Participation in organizations and groups

Religious organiza�ons/places of worship 48 16 64

Local community organiza�ons 45 10 55

Educa�onal/school groups 35 20 55

Sports/recrea�on leagues 26 26 52

Poli�cal par�es/advocacy groups 15 7 22

Other types of groups 28 10 38 Belong to/par�cipate in groups addressing 48 48 interests of the black community

Currently belong Previously belonged (past couple of years)

Overview Report | 33 five having belonged in recent years. Beyond membership BEP participants who are engaged with community in a religious organization, BEP participants are very likely to organizations primarily serving the Black community tend to say that spiritual values play an important role in their lives also have higher than average involvement in the political life – nine in ten participants say that this is the case. Data from of the broader community. This suggests that engagement a national population survey (the 2012 Canadian Community with the Black community and with the broader community Health Survey) confirms that those indicating African are complementary rather than alternative activities, and or Caribbean heritage are much more likely than other that progress in resisting racism involves, among other Canadians to indicate that spiritual values play an important things, engagement with mainstream political institutions role in their lives.28 and processes (see Figure 13).

Historically, members of the Black community have used (13)(13) Political Political engagement engagement by membershipmembership places of worship as a space of education, community inin Black Black groupsgroups building and resistance. Oftentimes, this was the only place to educate young Black people because the state would not Following politics very or somewhat closely provide education (or quality education) even when Black Voted in last provincial election community members were allowed to enter schools. Intense Voted in last municipal election levels of anti-Black racism politicized these spaces. Preachers and pastors became political organizers and community protectors.29 76 67 67 Community and political engagement is strongly related to both age and educational attainment. Compared with 57 55 younger individuals, older participants volunteer more hours 51 and are more likely to belong to groups that specifically address the interests of the Black community, to follow politics closely, and to vote in elections (see Figure 12). Compared with those whose highest level of education is a high school diploma or less, those who have a university degree are more likely to belong to political or community

organizations, to belong to groups that specifically address Belong to Black groups Do not belong to Black groups the interests of the Black community, to volunteer, to follow politics, and to vote in elections. For some BEP participants, community and political

engagement are linked directly to experiences of dealing (12)(12) PoliticalPolitical engagement engagement by (by age age group group) with racism. When asked what they have found to be Following politics very or somewhat closely useful as ways to deal with their experiences with unfair Voted in last provincial election treatment because of being Black, about three in ten report Voted in last municipal election trying to deal with these experiences on their own or to ignore them. Just as many, however, say they overcome or 81 79 deal with these experiences by advocating against them 76 78 76 78 72 72 or challenging them, while one in five say they share these 68 64 experiences or talk about them with family, friends or the community. 53 52 50 Some of the other strategies that BEP participants use to deal with unfair treatment could also be considered forms of engagement. These consist of working hard to 25 prove those who perpetuate racism are wrong, educating 21 themselves (for example, about anti-racism) or educating others about their behaviour, or expressing themselves through writing or art. 18‐24 25‐34 35‐44 45‐54 55+ In this context, it is notable that experiences of discrimination are associated with more (and not less) political and community engagement – again suggesting that for a many BEP participants, engagement and activism is one form of response to anti-Black racism.

34 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA (1)(14) t Strengthsrengths ofo thethe Black Black community community

5

ea�v

�ce

5

��

Participants who say they have experienced discrimination When asked about the strengths of the Black community in the are also more critical of public and political institutions, but GTA, about the community’s most important contributions to do not turn their backs on political participation. For instance, making the GTA a better place to live, and about what makes it they tend to follow politics more closely, to vote in elections unique or distinct from the many diverse groups that make up either as much or more than average. They have a tendency the Greater Toronto Area, BEP participants point to a variety of to join political parties or advocacy groups, local community attributes. organizations, and groups that specifically address the interests of the Black community. Most notably, they are more likely to Perseverance, resilience, success and community values are express the view that people like them can have a big impact on some of the main attributes BEP participants mention as making their community a better place to live. Individuals who strengths of the Black community (50%). Community values were are more likely to say they have experienced discrimination also also mentioned by almost half of the participants and creativity/ articulate a stronger sense of Black identity (see Figure 13). culture was referenced by nearly one quarter (see Figure 14).

Finally, community and political engagement emerges as a one of the characteristics of the Black community that BEP participants value and admire the most.

Overview Report | 35 (15) - (15)Hopes Hopes for for thethe Black Black Community Community

MAJOR THEMES % Build a stronger community / culture (unity, support, inclusiveness) 61 More political advocacy / social consciousness (equal opportunity) 35 Stronger education system / success 30 Less crime/violence / better policing 25 Stronger leadership / role models 21 Better media representation 20 Support for youth / future generations 19 More career development / employment opportunities 16 Better quality of life / standard of living 15 Stronger family / friend relationships 9 Stronger identity / sense of self 8 Improved community / government services 7 Better health care for Black community 4

Many BEP participants define their hopes for the black This focus on determination and perseverance – the ability to community in terms of building stronger communities/ meet challenges and overcome adversity – is consistent with culture (61%) as well as for more political advocacy/social the emphasis that many participants place on racism and the consciousness (35%) along with a stronger education system/ perpetuation of stereotypes when asked to identify the biggest success (30%). Other things identified as hopes include challenges for the Black community in achieving its goals. education (e.g., greater success in education for Black people) Across the GTA, it is women aged 35 to 54 who are most likely and improvements in the criminal justice system and relations to emphasize this challenge (55%, versus only 14% of men in with police (see Figure 15). this age group), along with those born in Canada (46%), and those whose primary racial identity is other than Black, African BEP participants are most likely to ground their hopes and Canadian or Caribbean (53%) (see Figure 16). confidence in the community’s ability to achieve these goals in its determination, awareness of obstacles, commitment to change, optimism and strength.

(16) (16)Greatest Greatest ch challengesallenges facingfacing the the Black Black community community

Racism/stereotypes 35 Distrust/lack of unity 29 Internalized racism/lack of confidence 27 Lack of education/ambitions 26 Lack of government support 21 Lack of political/economic clout 17 Absense of Black leadership/moral support 12 Unstable families 11 Violence/crime 5

36 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Intense divides among black people and self-interest. It is very easy to turn a Black person against another [Black] person. We have a lack of vision.

What do you see as the biggest Being silenced, and not controlling the narrative. challenges for the All too often we have other people telling our stories. We Black community in need to tell our own stories. achieving its goals?

Systemic racism. Not enough from community, government. Lack of cultural practices and benchmark behaviours that Access to information… unifies us. No sense of self and identity. lack of good examples of Historical traumas and beliefs keep many role models/leaderships… black people trapped in certain mindsets. losing patience, too focused It’s hard to break the cycle. No mental or on short-term pleasures… emotional support in our communities or lack of non-music, sports, families. success stories.

Overview Report | 37 3. INSTITUTIONAL AND INTERPERSONAL RACISM IN DAILY LIFE Overview This Chapter examines in more detail how participants’ experiences have been affected by race and racism. It addresses participants’ perceptions of discrimination toward Black people generally, as well as their own direct experiences of unfair treatment and anti- Black racism, including in specific situations such as in school or in the workplace. It also considers day-to-day experiences of more subtle, but no less serious, forms of unfair treatment that can occur in the public sphere. The Chapter also addresses the issue of how anti-Black racism impacts Black people in the GTA, and how they respond to their experiences of unfair treatment. Finally, the participants were asked about their perception of the Canadian versus the United States context. (1 7) Experiencing unfair treatment because you (17) Experiencing unfair are Blacktreatment because you are Black (by gender and household income)

MEN 20 46 26 6

WOMEN 16 51 26 6

Less than $20K 14 56 23 7

$20K to $40K 19 49 22 9

$40K to $70K 16 54 25 3

$70K to $100K 19 44 33 4

$100K or more 19 46 26 7

Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never

38 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Key Findings Notwithstanding the diversity of the Black population in the The survey also asked BEP participants about their experience of GTA in terms of identities and life experiences, there is a striking racism in more subtle ways. Four in five participants experience commonality of experience when it comes to being treated unfair treatment based on race in one or more forms of micro- unfairly because of their race. Two-thirds of BEP participants aggressions on a common basis. This includes experiences such say they themselves frequently (18%) or occasionally (49%) as having others expect their work to be inferior, being treated in experience unfair treatment because they are Black, and this is a condescending way, and having frequently had others react to true regardless of background. A majority of BEP participants them as if they were afraid or intimidated, in each case because reports having been treated unfairly because they are Black, of their race (see Figure 18). regardless of their age, gender, income, educational attainment or country of birth (see Figure 17).

(18) Day-to-day(18) Day-to-day personal personal experiences experiences because because of of your your racerace

Been mistaken for someone else who serves 12 30 24 31 others (janitor, bellboy)

Treated rudely or disrepectfully 12 44 33 10

Been ignored or not given service in a restaurant or store 13 39 31 18 Been accused of something or treated suspiciously 16 35 31 18

Been observed or followed while in public places 17 37 28 16

Others reacted to you as if they were afraid or intimidated 22 37 25 14

Treated in overly friendly or superficial way 25 43 19 11

Others expected your work to be inferior 26 33 22 20

Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never

Overview Report | 39 Although majorities of both men and women say they Half (49%) indicate they felt that being Black presented frequently or occasionally have been treated unfairly challenges not faced by other students. A large proportion because they are Black, their particular experiences differ. of participants say they “only sometimes” or “never” had Compared with Black women, Black men are more likely these positive high school experiences, and that they also to report being treated with suspicion and to mention an faced challenges at school that others did not because they experience related to negative interactions with a public were Black. Specifically, about four in ten say they either institution, notably the police. Compared with Black men, sometimes or never felt accepted by their teachers (37%) or Black women are more likely to mention an experience that school was a welcoming place (41%). related to being treated unfairly or being ignored or given poorer service in retail spaces, or to experiencing Male and female participants differ somewhat in their harassment, exclusion or being undervalued in the experiences with respect to education. Most men, regardless workplace. of age, tend to report their schools and teachers provided important support to them. In the case of women, however, While most BEP participants say they experience unfair age matters: younger women are much more likely than treatment because they are Black, experiences with specific older women to say they felt supported by schools and institutions or in specific settings vary. teachers.

EDUCATION EXPERIENCES. Only half of participants The survey results also show that Black students benefit who attended high school in Canada say that they always or from the presence of Black peers and teachers. The more often had positive experiences in high school, such as feeling Black students are in the minority in their neighbourhoods, accepted by teachers (50%) or other students at school the less accepted by their fellow students they feel, and the (60%), or feeling that school was a welcoming and friendly more they experience challenges at school related to race. place (50%) (see Figure 19).31 The proportion of teachers in a school who are Black is also associated with more positive school experiences. The presence of Black teachers appears to play a key role in helping Black students feel supported in general and manage issues related to race and racism in school in particular. But the reality is that most (four in five) BEP participants were educated in high schools where either a few or none of the teachers were Black, again pointing to systemic issues.

At the postsecondary level, few BEP participants who are currently students anticipate having to overcome challenges relating to racism in order to complete their college diploma or university degree. At the same time, one in five college or university graduates says having Black role models or examples would have made it easier for him or her to achieve post-secondary educational goals.

(19) High school experience by proportion of Black teachers (19) High school experience by proportion of Black teachers

91 84 83 83 79 69 65 63 62 59 58 56 57 55 53 48 50

21

Felt accepted by Felt you received a Enjoyed being at School was a Felt accepted by Being Black has the students at good education school welcoming and the teachers at challenges not school friendly place school faced by others

Most/some teachers were Black A few teachers were Black None were Black

40 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA WORK PLACE EXPERIENCES. BEP participants were by others working at the same level. They are also most apt also asked about their experiences in the work place. The to report being over-qualified and under-paid. responses indicate that while individuals report being happy with their co-workers, they also report experiencing racism When it comes to finding meaningful employment or at work and believe that anti-black racism is relevant. satisfying work, the challenge mentioned most frequently – particularly by younger participants – is that of searching for BEP participants report being happy with their work employment, including finding the right job opportunities, colleagues (92% strongly agree or agree), Approximately finding a job in a preferred field, and dealing with a weak three quarters report that they are happy in their workplace economy. (74%), find their work environment to be supportive (77%), and feel supported and respected by those they report When asked how being Black has made a difference in to (74%). Fewer are satisfied with the progress they have their work experience, BEP participants are most likely made toward meeting their career goals (63%) or their goals to cite negative experiences, such as having their level for the development of new skills (68%). of competency questioned, dealing with racism and stereotypes, and having their qualifications overlooked While this study provided no comparators, other or not recognized. Some participants also mention more research shows that racialized minorities, particularly positive ways in which being Black has made a difference, those who identify as Black are less satisfied with the such as having more resilience, being able to work in workplace compared to others and report experiencing multicultural settings, being able to use work to support the discrimination.32 Fully one-third of participants identify Black community, and being able to challenge racism. challenges linked to being Black and to navigating anti-Black racism in the workplace, whether it involves explicit racism Whatever their own personal experiences within the school and discrimination or an uncomfortable workplace culture system and workplace, most BEP participants believe Black in which they do not feel they are treated professionally or people experience anti-Black racism in these sectors. About accepted (see Figure 20). seven in ten (68%) participants say that Black people in the GTA are frequently treated unfairly because they are Men and women are equally likely to express satisfaction Black when seeking employment or work. An additional with their work environment, and with how their current 28 percent say unfair treatment occasionally happens in job aligns with their income and education. At the same this situation (versus only 2% who say this rarely or never time, a notable exception to the general pattern is the work happens). Similarly, four in ten (39%) believe that unfair experiences of participants who self-identify as LGBTQ. treatment happens frequently to those attending school They are much less likely than heterosexual participants or university and a similar proportion say this takes place to say they are happy in their workplace, find their work occasionally. environment supportive, and feel supported and respected

(20) Bigge(20)st Biggest challenges challenges in find in ingfinding meaningful meaningful em employmentployment

Finding opportunities/job searching 31

Having the right qualifications/experience 26

Discrimination/bias due to my race 19

Uncomfortable workplace culture/environment 17

Personal challenges (health, personal life) 13

Social networks/lack of mentors 12

Financial compensation/fair wage 10

Other challenges 5

Overview Report | 41 IMPACT OF ANTI-BLACK RACISM. The BEP survey findings also address issues that shed light on how anti-Black racism impacts Black people in the GTA, and how they respond to their experiences. BEP participants are affected in different ways by their experiences of discrimination and unfair treatment related to their race.

Some say they are bothered a lot by these experiences, in terms of a loss of self- esteem or self-confidence in the face of these experiences, and feel the need to consciously downplay being a Black person, especially at work or in public spaces. Others say they are less bothered by such treatment, and say their feelings about themselves are unaffected. And some maintain these experiences make them stronger or more aware, or reinforce their drive to succeed or bring about change (see Figure 21).

(21)(21) How How does does your your day-to-day day-to-day experience experience with withdiscrimination discrimination bother bother you? you?

28 28 27 23 19

Bothers me Bothers me Bothers me Doesn’t a lot somewhat a little bother me

The personal impact of experiencing day-to-day racism varies somewhat across the population, based on age, gender and sexual orientation. Younger participants and women are more apt to say they are bothered than are older participants and men. The group that stands out most, however, are those who self-identify as LGBTQ (a group that tends to be both younger and female). Half (52%) of participants in this group say such experiences bother them a lot, compared with only about half as many as those who identify as heterosexual (28%).

Overall, two-thirds of BEP participants either say they rarely or never downplay being Black (30%) or do not name a specific situation (i.e. say they don’t know or provide no answer; 37%). Still, a substantial proportion do name situations in which they consciously downplay being a Black person, including one in four (23%) who does so in employment situations (at work, in job interviews), and one in five (18%) who does so in public spaces or in social situations.

In addition, almost all participants named at least one situation in which they were consciously aware of being a Black person; only three percent say this rarely or never happens. One in two (52%) says he or she is consciously aware of being Black in public spaces, including in their neighbourhood or at school, or when travelling or moving about (e.g., when driving or on public transit). Almost as many (47%) report being consciously aware of being a Black person in employment-related situations, such as being at work or interviewing for a job.

BEP participants employ different strategies for coping with anti-Black racism (see Chapter 3). Some focus on dealing with racism on their own, while others say they overcome or deal with these experiences by advocating against them. Some also share these experiences or talk about them with family, friends or the community. Experiences of anti-Black racism are linked to participants’ personal well-being.

42 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA For instance, other research confirms that the But while non-Black Canadians might assume that racial minorities such experience of being treated unfairly because of as Black people are better off north of the border, not all BEP participants one’s race is correlated with poorer health and are convinced. One third (33%) of BEP participants say that the situation of mental health, and there is a strong relationship Blacks in the two countries is about the same, while close to one in ten (8%) between being bothered by experiences of say that Blacks are worse off in Canada than in the USA. This latter group is anti-Black racism and life satisfaction, health, most likely to say Blacks have it worse in Canada because of the way racism mental health and feelings of stress (Figure 22 manifests itself. They report that it is either more covert, or that diversity is a shows the relationship between the frequency “guise” that masks the reality of anti-Black racism, as has been documented of day-to-day discrimination across all types in other studies.33 (from frequently to occasional) and overall life satisfaction).* (22) Frequency of day-to-day discrimination by As reported in Chapter 3, experiences of overall(22) Frequency life satisfaction of day-to-day discrimination are associated with more political High life sa�sfacdiscrimination�on Medium bylife sa�sfoverallac�o nlife satisfaction Low life sa�sfac�on and community engagement. BEP participants who are more likely to experience unfair treatment based on race are also more critical of Systemic experience with discrimina�on 21 31 48 public and political institutions, but do not turn their backs on political participation. Common experience with discrimina�on 33 37 30 The survey also asked participants to compare the experiences of Black people in Canada Occasional experience with discrimina�on 48 29 23 and the USA. Coverage of issues relating to (22) Frequency of day-to-day discrimination by race in the US are prominent in the media and overall life satisfaction popular culture, and there are many untested assumptions about how experiences in the two High life sa�sfac�on Medium life sa�sfac�on Low life sa�sfac�on countries compare. Many Canadians define their identities in contrast to Americans. The notion Systemic experience with discrimina�on 21 31 48 of Canadian exceptionalism extends to the belief that Canada is a diverse, multicultural, and Common experience with (23) In what(23) ways In what are Blacks ways 33are better Blacks off better in37 Canada off in than30 inclusive society exempt from the issue of anti- discrimina�on Canadain the than USA? in the USA? Black racism south of the border. Occasional experience with discrimina�on 48 29 23 Results from this research suggest that not all Racism is less obvious 33 Black people in Canada see things the same way. Only a thin majority (55%) of BEP participants Better police relations/less violence 30 believe that Blacks are better off in Canada than More diversity/interracial relationships 20 the US. The most frequently cited ways in which Blacks are better off in Canada include racism Better health care 18 being less overt, better relations with police, More opportunities for success greater diversity in the population, and better 14 health care (see Figure 23). Better/more affordable education system 12

Fairer legal system 10

*Frequency of discrimination is measured in an index Less racialized violence 10 created that incorporates the results from all eight types of micro aggression experience measured in the survey, History not as rooted in racism/slavery 9 which captures both the number and frequency of such experiences reported. These data are then categorized into three groups according to frequency: systemic, common and occasional.

Overview Report | 43 SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF RACISM. In some cases, anti-Black racism is felt more acutely by BEP participants with lower incomes. For instance, those with inadequate incomes (those who report it is not enough and are having a hard time), are more likely than those with adequate incomes to have frequently experienced one or more of the eight micro-aggressions. These include being ignored, overlooked or not given service in a restaurant or store, being treated rudely or disrespectfully, being accused of something, and being observed or followed while in public places. As well, participants who are having a hard time making ends meet are also more likely to say that the lives of the Black people close to them (including family and friends) have been affected to a great extent because of their race (see Figure 24).

(24) Frequent personal experiences because of (24) Frequentrace by adequacy personal of income experiences because of race (by adequacy of income)

34

34

28

22

11

7 7

Been observed or followed Been ignored or not given Treated rudely or in a public place service in a restaurant/store disrespe ully

Income is good enough, and you can save from it Income is not enough, and you are having hard me

In considering these patterns, it is important to note that the difference between those with higher or lower incomes is not that one group experiences anti-Black racism and the other does not – rather, the frequency of these experiences is what differs, and such differences do not appear in all situations (see next Chapter as it relates to experiences with police services). This suggests that the disadvantages of lower income compound experiences of racial discrimination for some individuals. But this does not mean that Black individuals with higher incomes are insulated from experiences of unfair treatment and anti-Black racism.

44 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA For me, it is very important not to call that person a racist or say it’s (the unfair treatment) because I’m black. I let them say it so that I am not seen as wanting to be the victim. It is more powerful when they have Education is a golden key. It to acknowledge the reason they strengthens your individual are treating you unfairly. identity to make you better able to analyze and even handle your experiences. I have found that work with the black community is also a great source of information.

What have you found useful as ways to overcome or deal with your experiences with unfair treatment because of being Black?

Surrounding myself with other black Islam. I became a girls has helped my self-esteem. I had Muslim and it taught to navigate a lot of micro-aggressions me to have faith in from white and Asian friends who God. Islam made didn’t understand why I was offended. me secure. I look at My black friends knew and understood things as though God what I was talking about. I became will deal with it. less passive and more confident being surrounded by black friends.

Overview Report | 45 4. EXPERIENCE WITH POLICE SERVICES AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Overview of policing came to a head after community protests leading to a review of Ontario’s three civilian police oversight bodies. Most Canadians are able to take for granted the roles that the This review resulted in the release of a report chaired by the police and the criminal justice system play in upholding peace, Honourable Michael H. Tulloch which noted that “[w]ithin Black order and good government, and in protecting their rights communities, there is a prevailing perception that they have to safety and security. These institutions are counted on to always been over-policed and targeted as criminals.”35 provide: a) security by protecting both people and property from wrongdoing; b) justice by holding wrongdoers accountable for Ontario has seen a long and troubled relationship between the their actions while supporting the innocent; and c) equity by police and the Black community, particularly in the GTA. Issues acting impartially and without prejudice, ensuring that, unlike of excessive police surveillance and police presence in largely citizens in many other countries, Canadians are not subject to Black neighborhoods, police brutality, carding, stops, search and the arbitrary or excessive exercise of state power. seizures, numerous police killings of young unarmed Black men, and extra judicial and illegal drug raids are part of an important Both historically and currently, Black people in Canada (along historical context. Numerous reports have concluded that racial with other racialized groups and Indigenous Peoples) have profiling, systemic police bias and anti Black racism are key not been able to take these things for granted. Their ability to drivers for this systemic reality.36 experience security, justice and equity has been compromised by a much more troubled relationship with the police and the In this context, the BEP survey investigated the relationship criminal justice system than that experienced by most other between Black people in the GTA and the region’s police forces Canadians. While up-to-date data relating to racial bias within and criminal justice system. It did so by focussing on two areas: the criminal justice system is not available specifically for a) the direct experiences (be they positive, negative or neutral) the GTA, the federal government’s Office of the Correctional of BEP participants with the police and criminal justice system; Investigator reports that, for the country as a whole, “the federal and b) attitudes toward these institutions’ performance in terms incarceration rate for Blacks is three times their representation of protecting citizens and treating Black people fairly. rate in general society.”34 In Ontario, the issue

46 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA (25)(25) Personal Personal experience experience with with police poli in ce community in community or GTA or G TA

5 44

Ge�ng stopped in public places by police 55

Socializing with police at social, cultural or official func�ons 5 4

Being helped by the police 44

Requiring police assistance 4 5

Being harassed or treated rudely by police

Being interviewed by police as a witness to an incident 44

Police not responding promptly when you need them 1

Being arrested 15 1

Police using force against you 11 4

Overview Report | 47 Key Findings

EXPERIENCE WITH POLICE SERVICES: A majority of BEP Men between the ages of 25 and 44 are especially likely to participants have had negative experiences with the police report negative experiences with the police; among this group services in their community. In fact, BEP participants are more four in five have been stopped in a public place by the police, likely to have been stopped in public than they are to have been three in five have been harassed or treated rudely by police, one helped by the police. These negative encounters with police in four has had the experience of the police using force against services – including ones involving harassment and the use of him or her, and one in five has been arrested. Only 16 percent of force – are irrespective of levels of education, income adequacy, men between the ages of 25 and 44 say they have not had any of or employment (see also Chapter 4). these four negative experiences with the police. The experiences of women ages 25 to 44 are quite different. They are much less More than half of BEP participants report having been stopped likely than men in this age group to report having been stopped in a public place by the police, and almost four in ten say they in public or harassed by the police, and are more likely to report have been harassed or treated rudely by police. One in two has having required police assistance and being helped by the police. also had the experience of socializing with the police at a social, cultural, or official function. Sizeable minorities report having required help from the police or receiving help from the police, although about one in five says he or she has had the experience of the police not responding promptly when they were needed (see Figure 25). (26) Personal experiences with police by (26) Personaladequacy experiences of income with police by adequacy of income

57 50

34 31

14 10

Getting stopped in Being harrassed or Police used force against public places by police treated badly by police you

Income is good enough, and you can save from it Income is not enough, and you are having hard time

48 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA At the same time, as reported in Chapter 4, negative experiences A majority say their local police either does a good job (40%) or with the police (with the notable exception of being arrested) do an average job (45%) of “ensuring the safety of citizens in your not vary much by socio-economic status. Black individuals who municipality.” However, more than half (54%) of participants say are more economically advantaged are just as likely to have such that they do a poor job of “treating black people fairly.” Fewer encounters as those who are more economically disadvantaged. than one in ten (8%) says his or her local police force treats Black Those with higher incomes and levels of education, for instance, people fairly (see Figure 27). are not noticeably less likely than average to have been stopped by the police in public, to have been harassed or treated rudely This is consistent with the results of another question on the by the police, or to have had the police use force against them survey concerning the extent to which Black people in the (see Figure 26). GTA experience unfair treatment in dealings with the police because they are Black. There is a striking degree of consensus In addition, the Black population is not neatly divided between on this question, with almost nine in ten (87%) saying this those who have had only positive experiences and those who unfair treatment happens frequently, and an additional one have had only negative ones. In fact, those who have had at least in ten (11%) saying it happens occasionally. Only one percent one positive experience are more likely to have had at least one of participants say Black people in the GTA rarely or never negative one, and vice versa, suggesting that many Black people experience unfair treatment in dealings with the police because in the GTA experience a mixture of various types of interactions they are Black. Given this extent of negative experiences, it may with the police. not be surprising that BEP participants have less confidence in the police than other citizens in Ontario.37

(27) Performance of local police force

5

5

Overview Report | 49 EXPERIENCE WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. More than half (56%) of BEP participants have had some form of personal involvement in the Canadian criminal justice system in the last 10 years. This is most likely to be as someone visiting people who are in prison or jail, as someone attending a public information or consultation session relating to the criminal justice system, as a witness to a crime, or as a victim of a crime.

One in ten BEP participants reports involvement with the criminal justice system as someone accused of wrongdoing in the past 10 years. This proportion is notably higher among Black men age 25 to 44, with one in four in this group reporting having been arrested, one in five saying they have charged with a crime, and one in ten having been imprisoned over this time period (see Figure 28).38

(28) Personal(28) Personal involvement involvement with with criminal criminal justice justice systemsystem

jus�ce 5 1 44

informa�on consulta�on 4 visi�ng 1 1 1 vic�m 1 1 jus�ce 1 1 4 4 11

Many BEP participants are critical of the criminal justice system’s treatment of Black people. Of those who have had contact with the criminal justice system (either as a witness to, or victim of a crime, or who had been arrested, charged with a crime or been imprisoned), only half (49%) say they had been treated fairly. And of those who say they had been treated unfairly (39%), most (71%) believe the unfair treatment was definitely because they are Black (see Figure 29).

(29) Treatment by the criminal justice system (those with personal involvement in past 10 years)

o ere you treated Treated unfairly because you are Blac

71

49 39

21 4

ylriafnUylriaF /ylekilnUylekiLyletinifeD definitely not

50 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA More focus needs to be put on positive interactions with the community... it feels like the police exert excessive force. Multiple police cars show up to simple traffic stops, etc. I often find that officers are unfriendly and menacing. They rarely smile or say “good afternoon.” They only come around for negative reasons. Even at festivals and events they remain unfriendly. I don’t feel comfortable when they are around even if I haven’t done anything wrong. I feel like they make no effort to understanding cultural difference.

Partner more with Black community and come out and join us in the community. Not just on paper. If given the Let’s build a better opportunity, what relationship by one piece of advice or getting to know us. comment would you personally like to give to the Chief of Police in your Region?

Be aware of the different communities that you serve in your municipality. Require ongoing Learn to see us as people training for yourself and staff to and not hide behind the form relationships with people institution of the police… outside their communities so they not everyone is to be have an understanding on a personal treated suspiciously… level. Also understanding people of something in their training colour in general and review policing that causes them to treat us strategies and how they affect them. with such lack of respect, dehumanizing ways.

Overview Report | 51 5. PERSPECTIVES ON BLACK YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

Overview As the Black community in the GTA looks to the future, it naturally focuses on the situation and prospects of its youth and young adults. The discussions that took place as part of the community engagement phase of this project (Phase 1) highlighted a number of hopes and concerns for Black youth, as they pertain to education and employment, identity and engagement, health and well-being, and security and safety. Older participants in these discussions often expressed concerns about how Black youth in the GTA were faring (in terms of, for instance, barriers to education and employment), while younger participants focused on the opportunities and challenges facing their generation.

This Chapter examines the situation and perspectives of younger BEP participants in more detail (this is defined as participants aged 16 to 24, or in some cases 16 to 34). The Chapter highlights some of the generational differences revealed through the BEP survey. Younger BEP participants do not necessarily have a different perspective than their parents’ or grandparents’ generation on every issue; on a number of questions asked in the survey -- such as the question of how often participants say they are treated unfairly because they are Black – the responses of participants across age cohorts are virtually identical. On other questions, however, differences are more apparent.

52 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Key Findings As outlined in the demographic portrait in Chapter 1, the Black population in the Greater Toronto Area has become more diverse over time. The older population is overwhelmingly Caribbean- born, while the younger population has a more diverse mixture of Caribbean, African and Canadian origins. As of 2011 (and for the first time), young Black adults in the GTA have been majority Canadian-born. This shift is reflected in the results to the BEP survey questions about identity, reported in Chapter 2. In terms of ethno-cultural identity, for instance, younger BEP participants are more ethnically diverse, compared with their parents and grandparents, among whom the Caribbean ethnicity is predominant.

To this portrait can be added information relating to the composition of social networks. The composition of the friendship networks of younger BEP participants is much more racially mixed compared with that of older participants (see Figure 30).

Younger participants are less likely to say that most of their close friends are Black or from their own ethnic identity group, and more likely to say that at least some of their close friends are non-Black. Fewer than half (44%) of participants under the age of 35 have friendship networks that are predominantly Black, compared to almost two-thirds (64%) of those age 55 and over.

BEP participants who self-identify as LGBTQ tend to be younger, but apart from this demographic characteristic these individuals are most likely to say that most of their friends are non-Black (versus Black or from their ethnic identity group).

(30)(30) Racial Racial mix ofof friendships friendships

Age Age 55 Age 55 Ri i o rieni To Preoinn Bk 5 44 5 4 Mi o Bk n nonBk 44 Preoinn nonBk 5 Other combina�on 1 4

Overview Report | 53 Younger BEP participants are twice as likely as their older The other prominent theme is that of racism. For instance, counterparts to single out diversity within the Black community when considering the biggest challenges the Black community as one of its most distinctive features. Almost half of those faces in achieving its goals, the youngest cohort of BEP under the age of 35 specifically mention diversity as something participants – those between the ages of 16 and 24 – are that makes the Black community unique, compared with fewer somewhat more likely than others to identify challenges relating than one in four participants who are 55 and over (see Figure to racism and the perpetuation of stereotypes; one in two 31). Younger women are particularly likely to mention diversity young participants cite racism as the biggest challenges for as one of the Black community’s unique characteristics. the Black community. And racism is identified by younger BEP participants (age 16 to 24) as one of the main challenges facing Black youth in the GTA (see Figure 33). (31) Unique attributes of GTA Black (31) Uniquecommunity attributes (byof GTA age Black group) community by age group (33) Racism/stereotypes as greatest challenge Diversity of backgrounds Lack of community/divisiveness facing(33) Racism/stereotypes Black community as greatest (by age challenge group) facing Black community by age group

48 47 51

40 39 37 35 29

27 20 22

16 14 16‐24 25‐34 35‐44 45‐54 55+ 10 8

16‐24 25‐34 35‐44 45‐54 55+ (33) Racism/stereotypes as greatest challenge These findingsfacing have Black relevance community in the bycontext age group of experiences of discrimination and relations with the police and criminal 51 Two other themes stand out in terms of youth perspectives on justice system (as presented in Chapter 5). As noted, people the opportunities and challenges facing the Black community under 45 years of age, and men39 in particular, are especially and Black people in the GTA. One of these is the importance likely to have had negative experiences with35 the police and to 29 of education – although in this case, the views of younger report involvement with the criminal justice system as someone participants are shared by their older counterparts. Both accused of wrongdoing. 20 younger and older participants identify the opportunities provided through education as among the most important ones Also relevant in this context are the experiences of younger for Black youth in the GTA, in terms of growing up and preparing BEP participants16‐24 with 25‐34 the day-to-day 35‐44 experiences 45‐54 of inter- 55+ to be part of today’s society (Figure 32). personal forms of racism (discussed in Chapter 4) described as “micro-aggressions.” In general, the proportion of participants who say they frequently experience these forms of day-to- day discrimination is higher among younger participants, in comparison with those 55 years and older (see Figure 34).

(32)(32) Biggest- Biggest opportunities opportunities for for Black Black youth youth today today (by- By age age group) group Age 16-24 Age 25+ Biggest opportunities for youth % % Education system (access/affordability) 77 65 Community programs/resources (employment) 53 66 Leadership / mentor support 30 16 Technology / social media 19 10 Diversity/Inclusiveness in the GTA 13 6 Sports leagues 11 4 Potential of youth themselves (strength/creativity) 10 24 Other opportunities 20 18

54 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA (34) Frequency of day-to-day discrimination by age group

(34) Systemic experienceFrequency of day-to-day Common experience discrimination Occasional experience (by age group)

Aged 16 to 24 30 54 16

Aged 25 to 34 23 57 20

Aged 35 to 44 29 53 18

Aged 45 to 54 24 54 22

Aged 55 or older 7 56 37 (34) Frequency of day-to-day discrimination by age group

Systemic experience Common experience Occasional experience

Younger BEP participants also differ from their older BEP counterparts in terms of their patterns of community and political Aged 16 to 24 30 54 16 engagement. As may be the case across Canadian society as a whole, community and political engagement among BEP participants is strongly related to both age and educational attainment. Compared with younger individuals, older participants volunteer more hours and are more likely toAged 25 to 34 belong to groups that specifically23 address the interests of the57 Black community,20 to follow politics closely, and to vote in elections. Aged 35 to 44 29 53 18 This, however, does not mean that Black youth are “disengaged.” Young BEP participants between the ages of 16 and 24, for instance, are more likely than those inAged 45 to 54 other age groups to belong24 to educational or school groups,54 to sports and22 recreational leagues, and to environmental or conservation groups. About four in ten younger participants belong to religious organizations, to local community organizations, and to groupsAged 55 or older that specifically7 address the interests of the Black 56community – a level of 37participation that is only slightly below the average for all age groups (41%, versus 48% for all participants).

In the area of employment, the BEP survey results suggest that some Black youth, especially those without a postsecondary education, are facing challenges transitioning into the labour force. Among BEP participants across all age groups who are currently employed or self-employed, more than half say their education, training and skills are a good match for their current job. They also mention that their income is either about right for their education training and skills, or even higher than what they would expect. A sizeable minority, however, do not find themselves in this positive situation. For example, younger workers are among those who are more likely to say they feel overqualified for the job they currently have, and that their income is below expectations (see Figure 35).39

(35) Alignment of jobs, skills and income employed (35) Alignment of jobs, skills and income (by age groups) employed - By age groups

Education, training and skills are a good match for current jobs Income is about right for education, training and skills

72 65 59 53 45 43 46 44 37 28

16‐24 25‐34 35‐44 45‐54 55+

Of note, however, is the fact that satisfaction with workplace experiences and job alignment with qualifications improve noticeably with age, educational attainment and work experience. The BEP survey also indicates this improvement is much more likely for those youth who attain a postsecondary education.

Among BEP participant aged 16 to 24, who are in the labour force, the unemployment rate is 12 percent. But the rate is only five percent among those who have a college or university education, compared with 24 percent for those who have no more than a high school diploma. Research suggests this can be partly attributed to the practice of ‘streaming’. While this is no longer a policy, there is recently-published evidence that students continue to be grouped into vocational, college-bound or university-bound levels based on perceptions of ability, which are often tainted.40

Overview Report | 55 “Racism and discrimination has an effect on youth. I grew up in a country that is Black, there are Black doctors, lawyers: here in Canada there aren’t many Black role models. Black people As a young person, are representing lower income brackets. A lot of us are immigrants, what do you see as the our cultures are often different from biggest opportunities the culture in Toronto, so we have to navigate having Haitian parents living in and challenges for a Canadian society. Black people your age in the GTA, in terms of growing up and preparing themselves to be part of today’s society?

People making assumptions because you are Black, for example that There is more room for participation in you’re lazy, unmotivated, media education, politics and communities in negative portrayal... to be honest comparison to the past. Today, there there are individuals that have given are more ways for black youth to be up and the way that the few have successful in these areas. Because of GTA carried themselves is being reflected diversity, often times it’s easy to ignore on the entire group of youth. A lot of the struggles in race and the accessibility youth are lacking identity in terms of gap present within the city. Making it not cultural roots (i.e. Jamaica doesn’t only hard for Black youths to gain access accept Canadian-raised Jamaican to certain opportunities, but hard to even youth): not knowing yourself and acknowledge that there is struggle in the your place in the GTA. first place.

56 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA 6. WORLDS APART: PERCEPTIONS OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY

Overview This chapter addresses how BEP participants view the Black community, as well as their views about how the Black community is perceived by non-Black people in the GTA.

The survey asked BEP participants what they think makes the Black community in the GTA unique or distinct, to identify its greatest strengths and the contributions it makes to the GTA, and to say what gives them confidence about the community’s ability to achieve its goals. The research did not gauge directly how non-Black people in the GTA view their Black counterparts, but rather asked participants about how they believe they are perceived by the broader society around them. This included asking whether they think non-Black people’s impressions of Black people are positive or negative, how these may have changed over the past decade, and what they believe to be the most commonly held beliefs about Black people. Given the importance of the mainstream media in shaping beliefs and attitudes, BEP participants were asked to evaluate media portrayals of Black people in terms of the amount and the accuracy of the coverage that Black people receive.

Taken together, the results show that the qualities that BEP participants associate with the Black community -- qualities relating to the community’s culture, diversity and heritage of the Black community, as well as the strength and perseverance of community members -- are strikingly different from the negative qualities that they believe others in the GTA associate with their community.

Key Findings (36) Black community’s most important As reported in Chapter 3, BEP participants (36) Blackcontributions community’s to the most GTA important take great pride in the strength, resilience and contributions to the GTA achievement of the Black community. There is widespread agreement that the Black community Cultural/social influence 67 has had important cultural or social influence in 36 making the GTA a better place to live. Another Community involvement/leadership main theme to emerge from participants’ Personal characteristics/energy 19 reflections on the uniqueness and strengths of the Black community is that of perseverance, Involvement in education/research 18 hard work and the ability to meet challenges and overcome adversity (see Figure 36). Activism/advocacy 17

None/cannot say 7

Overview Report | 57 (37) Basis of hope and confidence in achieving (37) Basis of hope and confidence in achieving community goals community goals

Our strength/resilience 33

Through effective leadership/mentorships 26

By working together 24

Education systems 12

Our youth/next generation 11

Having/encouraging cultural pride 10

Acess to services/resources 9

Social progress is underway 7

Having faith/spirituality 6

Other reasons 5

Do not have confidence 5

And BEP participants are most likely to ground their hopes When asked what they believe are the most common beliefs and confidence in the community’s ability to achieve these that non-Black people hold about Black people, all of the goals in its determination, optimism and strength. Along with examples cited are negative ones. Three in four participants perseverance, many also mention solidarity (the sense of mention beliefs relating to criminal behaviour, violence, gangs or community and the support the community provides to its drugs. More than one in two mentions the belief that Blacks are members) as one of the Black community’s greatest strengths in uneducated and inferior, and a similar proportion identify the the GTA (see Figure 37). belief that Black people are lazy and lack ambition. The two most frequently mentioned answers by younger participants were the In stark contrast to the positive attributes that BEP participants belief that Blacks are involved in crime, violence, gangs, or drugs, associate with the Black community, most – four in five – believe and that they are uneducated or unintelligent. This suggests that that non-Black people in the GTA hold negative impressions of these are the most pervasive beliefs about Black people that them as Black people. And relatively few – only one in four – say Black youth confront today. these impressions have gotten better over the past ten years (see Figure 38).

(38) How non-Black people in the GTA view Black people

Non-BlackNon-Black peoples’ peoples’ How haveHow havethese these impressions impressions impressionimpression of ofBlack Black peoplepeople changedchanged over over past past decade? decade?

62

46

25 26 18 11 1

Very Somewhat Somewhat Very Be er Same Worse posi ve posi ve ne ve nega ve

58 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA These stereotypes are the same ones that BEP participants see When asked what they most wished the broader society perpetuated by the mainstream media. Most (two in three) understood about Black people, BEP participants say they are participants say there is too little portrayal of Black people or like everyone else, that the media portrayal is inaccurate, that groups in the mainstream media, whether it is newspapers they are a diverse community, and how the historical legacy of (66%), radio (66%) or television (63%), with most of the existing racism and discrimination has contributed to the challenges they portrayals being predominantly negative. currently face (see Figure 39).

(39)(39) Wh Whatat broader broader society society should should understand understand about aboutBlack Black people people

Black people are the same as everyone else 57

Predominant media portrayal is inaccurate 33

A diverse people/not at all the same 30

History has affected our people's place in society 29

There are many competent Black professionals 12

Greater need for acknowledgement/ educa�on of our history 10

Black community has made signifigant contribu�ons to society 8

Other 6

Overview Report | 59 Participants were also asked about the ways in which Black There is comparatively more agreement among participants people are portrayed accurately and inaccurately in the about the ways in which Black people are portrayed media they see. When asked specifically about the ways inaccurately. One in two says that Black people are in which Black people are portrayed accurately, the most portrayed inaccurately in terms of an exaggerated extent common response is the insistence that Black people are of their involvement in criminal activities or drugs. About not in fact portrayed accurately in the media – 25 percent one in four points to inaccurate portrayals of Black people of participants take this view (see Figure 40). as uneducated, lazy, lacking ambition or dependent on welfare. Others cite portrayals that rely on general The accurate portrayals that are mentioned include stereotypes and misrepresentations, such as those that coverage of live events in the arts, entertainment or sports, emphasize aspects of Black communities or depict Black in some programs or types of reporting (e.g., on certain people solely as athletes and entertainers. TV shows, news programs or documentaries, or when Black people are involved in production). Less commonly mentioned are accurate portrayals of Black as leaders or individual success stories, or portrayals of cultural or historical events such as Black History Month events and Caribbean festivals.

What do you think makes the Black community unique or distinctive from the many diverse groups that make up the Greater Toronto Area?

I think the heterogeneous nature of the community. Also that it is distinguished by colour, no other community is labeled like that. Shared history, legacy connects us. No other community is labeled by the skin colour and lumped into one. This is probably based on our shared history. Europeans named us and we reclaimed that. This has really set us apart, showcases our resilience.

60 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA (40)(40) - Portrayal ofof BlackBlack peoplepeople in in the the media media

In what ways are Black people portrayed In what ways are Black people portrayed % % accurately in the media you see? inaccurately in the media you see? Not in fact portrayed accurately 25 Exaggeration of criminal activities 50

Live events (arts, entertainment and sports) 21 Uneducated, lazy or lack of ambition 27 TV, radio, web (e.g., specific TV shows, 17 Stereotypes or general misrepresentation 26 documentaries) Negative character attributes (e.g., loud, Portrayals of leaders or individual success stories 8 21 confrontational, hypersexual) Positive individual traits/efforts 6 Caricatures on TV or in movies 19 Negative portrayal of families and family Cultural or historic events 4 11 relationships Negative or monolithic portrayal of Black Portrayals of community engagement or activism 4 9 community or Black youth Positive portrayal of family life 2 Misrepresentation of Black culture 7 Don't know/no answer 33 Don't know/no answer 24

The diversity in our community. We have such a rich cultural expression from all African and Caribbean communities. All these communities have a vibrancy they bring from where they come from. The musical expression, the dancing. It’s like an invisible web that connects us even though we’re from different countries.

I think as Black people we always Our culture has amazing say we will help each other but energy. We are in my then do the opposite and it comes opinion the funniest, a competition…our pride gets in the most good-looking, most way and we don’t ask for help…we passionate, most resilient, only come together when something most intelligent, most negative happens…we come innovative, most fashion- together when something negative savvy, most musical, more happens. rhythmic, more persecuted group in the GTA.

Overview Report | 61 In what ways are Black people portrayed accurately and inaccurately in the

media you see? Community radio…community newspaper…the ways in which Black people are making contribution in their community. The history of political or social experience. In telling their stories of current black people today.

When they are successful, such as when they win a competition or award, although we tend to be tokenized in those instances to misrepresent the successes within the black community.

We’re either white- washed or gangster affiliates.

62 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA We are either portrayed as the lowest of people or as extreme over-achievers who have distanced themselves from ‘perceived Blackness’. We are often portrayed as over sexualized, violent, lawless, immoral people with no integrity or honesty. Any crime committed by a Black person receives an undue amount of media coverage focusing on Just simply the storytelling. Various dehumanizing the perpetrator. While Black dominant ideals restrict portrayals of victims are often cast in a negative light, with black peoples in media. Characters are reports often insinuating that the victim was restricted to limited narration and lack largely responsible for their problem. We complexity. Blacks are represented are not seen as innocent or weak. We are one dimensionally as very gendered, portrayed as always guilty. able-bodied peoples in specific roles. With Blacks having certain dialects that require translation (though its English). Media makes it appear that there is a lack of complexity in Black peoples and their experiences. The perspective is not inclusive.

Overview Report | 63 64 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA NEXT STEPS

This report provides an overview of the central themes that emerged from the Black Experience Project results, bringing to life important dimensions of the life experiences of individuals identifying as Black or of African Heritage with respect to identity, community and interactions with broader society. This document is by no means a comprehensive or complete analysis of the material captured through the extensive interviews with the study’s 1,504 participants (such an analysis would require several hundred pages to properly document).

Rather, this report provides a foundation for further exploration, discussion and action. It is intended as a call to action to the many organizations, institutions and individuals in the Greater Toronto Area (and beyond) who have an interest and a role in the success of the Black community, and the well-being of all communities and individuals in society. This includes:

• Organizations and individuals within the GTA’s diverse Black communities, who will be informed by the research to better appreciate the rich diversity of their communities, and can use the study data and insights to strengthen their assets and community resources;

• Governments and public institutions (e.g., education, police services, social services) at all levels, that can make effective use of the data to better reflect and serve the aspirations of the Black population, and help remove institutional barriers to success;

• Educators and researchers who can use the research to explore the data in greater detail, and incorporate new insights into educational programs;

• Community-based organizations, which can improve their programs, services and supports through the insights provided by this study;

• The business sector, which can make use of the study in strengthening human resource practices and creating new employment opportunities for racialized populations; and

• The media, in how they can improve their coverage and stories about the Black community. The data in this study support deeper understanding, alternative framing and more focus on successes and contributions of the Black community.

Overview Report | 65 The BEP results and insights provide a new and compelling 2. Community and public discussions. The results from focal point around which diverse stakeholders can gain the Black Experience Project are intended to provide a greater insight in advancing their missions. This encourages strong impetus for initiating meaningful discussions about stakeholders to come together to constructively discuss what the findings reveal and how they may be leveraged what the research has revealed and how it points to a to identify opportunities and priorities for strengthening meaningful way forward. The results point to aspects of the health and capacities of the Black community. success and contributions that should be acknowledged Organizations in all sectors will be encouraged to develop and celebrated, as well as to obstacles and challenges that programming (e.g., internal discussions, public events, require thoughtful attention and effective solutions. educational initiatives) based on the BEP study findings. The goal of the research is to serve as a catalyst; bringing As the project moves into Phase 3, next steps cover three diverse stakeholders together to work toward a common broad areas: understanding of the issues and devise strategies for effective pathways forward. 1. Further exploration of the data. Along with the public release of this report, the BEP survey data will be 3. Providing a more balanced and honest public made available to community researchers, scholars, and narrative. The Black Experience Project provides the media organizations in all sectors. They will be encouraged to with a strong empirical basis for improving its coverage conduct further in-depth study on issues of most relevance of the Black community generally, as well as the stories (such as life aspirations, health and mental health, of Black individuals. This is an important opportunity and experiences with institutions, and comparisons between responsibility, as most non-Blacks have a limited and often urban and suburban experiences). This report touches stereotypical view of their Black neighbours. At the same on only a portion of the extensive data collected through time, it is increasingly important to confront the reality of the survey, which encompassed more than 250 survey anti-Black racism in the GTA and its pervasiveness regardless questions, and includes more than 60,000 qualitative of ethnic background, socio-economic status or gender responses to open-ended questions. identity. There is much to learn from the study results.

The Jean Augustine Chair (JAC) in Education, Community A research study such as the Black Experience Project cannot and Diaspora at York University will become the permanent on its own fully capture the strength and contributions of home of the Black Experience Project, and serve as the the GTA Black community, nor can it address the persistent primary access point for further research with the data. The challenges and systemic inequalities in society. What it JAC is also developing plans for additional programming does provide is an empirically-based understanding of what initiatives around the study results. it is like to be Black in the GTA. This can help create new conversations that lead to transformational change, by It is hoped that the Black Experience Project will inspire providing a more realistic and constructive focal point for further research studies initiated by the Black community discussion and a way forward. (and others) that focus on particular issues of need. One of the primary objectives of the BEP is to strengthen the capacity within this community for effective community- based research. As well, the BEP may prove to be a valuable model for racialized communities in other Canadian cities (and other countries) that see the value of harnessing the power of social research to document their experience in a way that can lead to meaningful change.

66 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA END NOTES

1 Head, W. A., & Lee, J., (1975). The Black Presence in the Canadian Mosaic: A Study of Perception and the Practice of Discrimination Against Blacks in Metropolitan Toronto. Toronto: Ontario Human Rights Commission); Lewis, S. (1992). Stephen Lewis report on race relations in Ontario. Toronto: Ontario Advisor on Race Relations; Ontario Human Rights Commission (2017). Under suspicion: Research and consultation report on racial profiling in Ontario, OHRC: http://ohrc. on.ca/en/under-suspicion-research-and-consultation-report-racial-profiling-ontario, (accessed on June 26 2017).

2 Attewell, P., Kasinitz, P., & Dunn, K. (2010). “Black Canadians and black Americans: Racial income inequality in comparative perspective”. Ethnic & Racial Studies, 33(3), 473-495; Brooks, M. (2008). “Imagining Canada, negotiating belonging: Understanding the experiences of racism of second generation Canadians of colour”. Canadian Diversity: The experiences of second-generation Canadians, 6(2), 75-78, http://canada.metropolis.net/publications/Diversity/can_diversity_vol_62_ spring08_e.pdf, (accessed on 26 June 2017); Nestel, S. (2012). “Colour coded health care: The impact of race and racism on Canadians‘ health”. Toronto, ON: Wellesley Institute, http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ Colour-Coded-Health-Care-Sheryl-Nestel.pdf, (accessed on June 26 2017); Wortley, S., & Tanner, J. (2004). “Discrimination or ―good policing? The racial profiling debate in Canada”. Our Diverse Cities, (1), 197-201, http://canada.metropolis.net/pdfs/ WortleyTanner_e.pdf, (accessed on June 26 2017).

3 McMurtry, R. & Curling, A., (2008). The review of the Roots of Youth Violence, Findings, Analysis and Conclusions, Toronto: Ontario, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/documents/youthandthelaw/ rootsofyouthviolence-vol1.pdf, (accessed on June 26 2017).

4 Henry, F. & Tator, C. (2009). The colour of democracy: Racism in Canadian society (4th Edition). Canada: Nelson Education Limited; Benjamin, A., Este, D., James, C., Lloyd, B., Bernard, W. T., & Turner, T. (2010). Race and well-being: The lives, hopes and activism of African Canadians. Canada: Fernwood Publishing; Ontario Human Rights Commission (2017). “Under suspicion: Research and consultation report on racial profiling in Ontario”, OHRC: http://ohrc.on.ca/en/under-suspicion- research-and-consultation-report-racial-profiling-ontario (accessed on June 26 2017); Report of the Commission on Systemic Racism in the Ontario Criminal Justice System, 1995.

5 Green, G. P., & Haines, A. (2015). Asset building & community development. Los Angeles: Sage publications; Kamenou, N. & Fearfull, A. (2006). “Ethnic minority women: A lost voice in HRM”, Human Resource Management Journal, 16(2), 154-172.

6 Henry, F. & Tator, C., (2009). The colour of democracy: Racism in Canadian society (4th Edition), Toronto: Nelson Education; Benjamin, A., Este, D., James, C., Lloyd, B., Bernard, W. T., & Turner, T. (2010). Race and well-being: The lives, hopes and activism of African Canadians. Canada: Fernwood Publishing; Commission on Systemic Racism in the Ontario Criminal Justice System (co-chairs Gittens, M. & Cole, D.) (1995). Report of the Commission on Systemic Racism in the Ontario Criminal Justice System. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.

7 Connely, W., Cukier, W., Grant, C., Neuman, K., Newman-Bremang, K., & Wisdom, M. (2014). The Black Experience Project Phase 1 Community Engagement Report, http://www.environicsinstitute.org/uploads/institute-projects/black%20 experience%20project%20gta%20-%20phase%201%20final%20report.pdf, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

8 Environics Institute (2010). Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study: Main Report, http://www.uaps.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2010/04/UAPS-FULL-REPORT.pdf, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

9 The population profiles were developed using the 2011 National Household Survey conducted by Statistics Canada, which is the most current population statistics available (the relevant 2016 census data will not be available until later in 2017). Because the 2011 NHS was a voluntary survey, the data are not as complete nor as reliable in comparison with other years in which a true census was conducted.

10 Galabuzi, Grace-Edward, 2016, The Black Experience Project in the GTA: Data Collection and Best Practice Report, (as part of the Black Experience Project in the GTA).

11 Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate. (2016). “A Better Way Forward: Ontario’s 3-Year Anti-Racism Strategic Plan”, https://www. ontario.ca/page/better-way-forward-ontarios-3-year-anti-racism-strategic-plan, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

12 Kamenou, N. & Fearfull, A. (2006). “Ethnic minority women: A lost voice in HRM”, Human Resource Management Journal, 16(2), 154-172.

Overview Report | 67 13 Yosso, T.J. (2005). “Whose culture has capital?”, Race, Ethnicity and Education, 8(1), 69-91. See also: http://web.csulb.edu/ divisions/aa/personnel/fcpd/workshops/documents/Wrk1EditedYossoCulturalWealthSummary.pdf, last visited on 26 June 2017; Ontario Human Rights Commission, 2004.

15 Gillborn, D. (2015). “Intersectionality, Critical Race Theory, and the Primacy of Racism: Race, Class, Gender, and Disability in Education”. Qualitative Inquiry,21(3), 277-287; Leonardo, Z. (2005). “Foreword”. In Z. Leonardo (Ed.), Critical pedagogy and race (xi-xv). Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

16 Ontario Anti-Racism Directorate. (2016). “A Better Way Forward: Ontario’s 3-Year Anti-Racism Strategic Plan”. Retrieved from: https://www.ontario.ca/page/better-way-forward-ontarios-3-year-anti-racism-strategic-plan, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

17 James, C.E. (2010). Seeing Ourselves: Exploring Race, Ethnicity and Culture. (4th Edition). Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc., 285-286.

18 James, C.E. (2010). Seeing Ourselves: Exploring Race, Ethnicity and Culture. (4th Edition). Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc., 285-286.

19 James, C.E. (2010). Seeing Ourselves: Exploring Race, Ethnicity and Culture. (4th Edition). Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, Inc., 285-286.

20 Racial Equity (2017). Whiteness and White Privilege, https://www.racialequitytools.org/fundamentals/core-concepts/ whiteness-and-white-privilege, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

21 James, C.E. & Turner, T. (2017). “Towards Race Equity in Education: The Schooling of Black Students in the Greater Toronto Area”. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: York University, http://edu.yorku.ca/files/2017/04/Towards-Race-Equity-in-Education- April-2017.pdf, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

22 Note this same pattern also holds within non-Black populations.

23 This data is provided courtesy of the Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto (Statistics Canada, Census Profile Series 1996, 2006 and Census 1981 Custom Tabulation EO2228).

24 This data is provided courtesy of the Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto (Statistics Canada, Census Profile Series 1996, 2006 and Census 1981 Custom Tabulation EO2228). Although the visible minority question was not asked in the 1981 Census, Statistics Canada has derived comparable estimates based on birth place, language and ethnic origin responses as part of the custom tabulation.

25 General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating (GVP) as reported in Martin Turcotte, Volunteering and Charitable Giving in Canada, Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2015; http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-652-x/89-652-x2015001- eng.pdf, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

26 Churches have also nurtured the civil rights movement, and many of its leaders were clergy (such as Dr. Martin Luther King).

27 Survey question about voting were asked only to BEP participants who were Canadian citizens, 16 and older, and therefore eligible to vote, which is important in interpreting results for the 16 to 24 group.

28 Canadian Community Health Survey, 2013.

29 Calhoun-Brown, A. (2000). “Upon this rock: The black church, nonviolence, and the civil rights movement”. PS: Political Science & Politics, 33(2), 169-174.

30 Micro-aggressions are defined as “brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioural, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults to the target person or group.” (D. W. Sue et al., “Racial Micro-aggressions in Everyday Life: Implications for Clinical Practice,” American Psychologist, 62(4), May-June 2007, 273.

31 The survey questions relating to high school experiences were asked only to participants currently in high school, who completed or left high school in Canada in 1994 onwards.

68 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA 32 Henry, Frances & Carol Tator (with a chapter by Tim Rees) (2010). The colour of democracy: Racism in Canadian society (4th Edition). Toronto: Nelson Education.

33 Henry, Frances & Carol Tator (with a chapter by Tim Rees) (2010). The colour of democracy: Racism in Canadian society (4th Edition). Toronto: Nelson Education.

34 Sapers, H., (2015). Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator 2014-2015. Office of the Correctional Investigator, http://www.oci-bec.gc.ca/cnt/rpt/annrpt/annrpt20142015-eng.aspx, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

35 Tulloch, M.H., (2017). Report of the Independent Police Oversight Review, https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/ english/about/pubs/police_oversight_review/, (accessed on 26 June 2017).

36 Lewis, Stephen (1992), Report on Race Relations in Ontario. Toronto: Ontario Advisor on Race Relations; Tanner, Julian, and Scot Wortley (2002), The Toronto Youth Crime and Victimization Survey: Overview Report. Toronto: Centre of Criminology; Commission on Systemic Racism (1995), Report of the Commission on Systemic Racism in the Ontario Criminal Justice System. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.

37 General Social Survey 2012, Statistics Canada.

38 Note that the survey asked two separate questions about being arrested, one in the context of experiences with the police, and the other in the context of contact with the criminal justice system. The responses to the two questions are slightly different.

39 The National Council of Welfare Reports: Poverty Profile Special Edition, 2012, provides national statistics but nothing specific for the GTA or for Black youth.

40 James, C.E. & Turner, T. (2017). “Towards Race Equity in Education: The Schooling of Black Students in the Greater Toronto Area”. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: York University, http://edu.yorku.ca/files/2017/04/Towards-Race-Equity-in-Education- April-2017.pdf, (accessed on 12 July 2017).

Overview Report | 69 Appendix A BEP Project Team

The following individuals played key roles in the design and implementation of the Black Experience Project during Phase 2.

CORE PROJECT TEAM DESIGN, CODING, ANALYSIS AND REPORTING Keith Neuman, Project Director Stephen Amoah Duaa Mohamed Marva Wisdom, Director, Outreach and Engagement Michael Antwi John Otoo Fowzia Duale Virtue, Project Coordinator Kenneth Asante Andrew Parkin Joseph Smith, Project Coordinator Selom Chapman-Nyaho Trisha Scantlebury Samantha Kemp-Jackson, Public Relations/Communications Lead Chevy Eugene Rohit Shah Malaika Hill Tana Turner Suelyn Knight Chris Williams David Lewis-Peart Hannibal Yonathan Laura Mae Lindo

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT (including participant recruitment and interviewing) Theophilus Adjei Bashiyr Douglas Jesse Murray Olivier Adrien Chevy Eugene Tana Nbo Sarah-Bella Akande Toni Goree Tania N’bonguele Nadia Ali Carissa Gravelle Amanda Parris Mikayla Allen Dena Henry Michael Paul Jordanne Amos Sanfoka Jaba Marquez Ramsay Rose-Ann Bailey Kerwin Jackson Sophia Ramsay Lisa Brown Femi James Nadine Ruby Shaniqua Brown Francis Jeffers Danavan Samuels Tana Brown Suelyn Knight Kofi Sankofa Chantelle Campbell Cynthia Kuassi Chantelle Selkridge Pita Garth Case David Lewis-Peart Keneisha Stone Tynelle Chase Stephen Linton Samia Tecle Shea J’bral Celestine Thomas-Malcolm Alison Thompson Krysta Celestine Nicole May Nicole Veira Oneal Chin Faith Ann Mendez Jordan Williams C. J. Cromwell Desmond Miller Hannibal Yonathan Paulette Currie Arnold Minors Maame Debrah Duaa Mohamed

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY EDITING & PUBLICATION DESIGN Ryan Singh, Ryan Singh Enterprises Emilie-Andrée Jabouin Chris Strikes, Callowgrove Entertainment Karina Mohammed Jacky Au Duong

70 | THE BLACK EXPERIENCE PROJECT IN THE GTA Appendix B Research Advisory Group

The following individuals served in a volunteer capacity as research advisors to the Black Experience Project during Phase 2.

Dr. Uzo Anucha - York University Mr. Mohamed Elmi – Ryerson’s Diversity Institute Dr. Gervan Fearon (emeritus) – Ryerson University/Brandon University Dr. Grace-Edward Galabuzi – Ryerson University Dr. Michael Hall – YMCA of the Greater Toronto Area Dr. Carl James (Chair) – York University/Jean Augustine Chair Ms. Michelynn Lafleche – United Way Toronto & York Region Dr. Kwame McKenzie – Wellesley Institute Dr. Lance McCready – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto Dr. Jeffrey Reitz – University of Toronto Dr. Dominique Riviere – Studio Y, MaRS Discovery District Dr. Miriam Rossi (emeritus) – University of Toronto Ms. Marva Wisdom – Wisdom Consulting/Environics Institute

Overview Report | 71 It isn’t often that a community gets to conduct a SWOT analysis of itself but a keen reading of the BEP report will reveal our community’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. How we use this information is our challenge to address. There is no question that the findings of the BEP can help our community find solutions to its challenges and to play a stronger role in the Canadian narrative. I know these findings can help st udents envision their future and I’m confident it will do the same for the wider community. Trevor Massey Chair, Lifelong Leadership Institute

The data contained in this report provides current experiential evidence of how systematic racism continues to negatively impact the black community which will assist in making informed decisions going forward. There has been progress, but there is so much more work to do and it starts with using the voices of those who contributed to this report to pave a path towards tearing down the walls of Anti-Black Racism. As woman of colour and senior leader at the Region of Peel I am very proud of this report and look forward to incorporating our learnings into making Peel the kind of community where everyone can thrive, regardless of their colour, race, faith, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age or socio-economic status. This is a very important step, but now the hard work begins. Juliet Jackson Director, Culture & Inclusion, Region of Peel

I believe the Black Experience Project will greatly benefit my community and endure as a foundational and groundbreaking survey research on who the Black people of the five regions of the Greater Toronto Area are and were in the window of 2010 to 2017. This is why I earnestly and irrevocably support the Black Experience Project. Mahad Yusuf Executive Director, Midaynta Community Services

The Black Experience Project provided the opportunity to engage directly with the Black community to identify systemic and institutional restorative measures that will positively contribute to their experience and well-being. The Durham Regional Police Service intends to proactively incorporate the relevant insights from the study throughout our organization to enhance transparency, accountability, and respectful engagement. Paul Martin Chief of Police, Durham Regional Police Service

For more information, visit: theblackexperienceproject.ca